After dropping the first four games of the 2016/17 BC Hockey League (BCHL) season, including their home opener, Powell River Kings beat Surrey Eagles 3-2 on Sunday, September 18, at Hap Parker Arena.
“The first one is a bit of a relief,” said Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer. “It’s nice to get it and to finally have some positive energy coming into practice for this week.”
On Friday, September 16, Kings lost 3-1 to Penticton Vees.
“We’ve been happy with our play,” said Sawyer. “We were happy on Friday night with our effort and our compete level. It was just a couple of breakdowns and it cost us.”
According to Sawyer, the team’s competitive level and tenacity on the puck was much better than the previous weekend, when the Kings dropped their first three games of the season on the road.
“We sharpened up a little bit in the defensive zone and didn’t lapse,” said Sawyer.
Rookie goaltender Mitch Adamyk recorded his first BCHL win on Sunday and was named the game’s first star.
“It’s early in the year yet so you want to give Mitch an opportunity to prove himself in this league,” said Sawyer. “He made the saves he had to. The goals they scored were just breakdowns by our defensive group.”
Sawyer said Sunday’s 3-2 score might look tight, but it could have been a 9-2 final by the end of it.
“We had our chances and shot some pucks over the net on some odd-man rushes and missed on a few breakaways,” he said. “Hunter Findlater scored a nice goal coming down the wing, using his speed and his shot.”
Sawyer singled out Johan Steen for his physical play on Sunday. On Friday against Penticton, Sawyer said veteran goalie Brian Wilson stood on his head and gave the Kings a chance to win.
Kings' next two games will be held at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. Wenatchee Wild provide the opposition at 10 am Friday, September 23. The following afternoon, Kings face-off against Trail Smoke Eaters at 1 pm.
