It takes a lot to satisfy Powell River Kings’ head coach Kent Lewis.
His team won two of three games, one at home and one of two on the road, in BC Hockey League (BCHL) Island Division play last weekend. However, that wasn’t good enough for Lewis, who said last week’s practices and game results showed a “very immature group and we have to learn from it.”
Lewis said he is happy when the team scores more goals than its opponent, and they did against Trail and Port Alberni. However, those wins did not come without some negatives, he said.
Kings edged Trail Smoke Eaters 2-1 on Thursday, November 18, at Hap Parker Arena, with BCHL rookie scoring leader Cam Donaldson notching both goals.
“Our Trail game was a C effort and a C game,” said Lewis.
The next day, on the road against division rivals Victoria Grizzlies, Kings lost 4-1.
According to Lewis, it came down to the little things against a Grizzlies team the Kings are tied with for first place in the division.
“We had a very disappointing start,” said Lewis. “Our failure to capitalize on the power play cost us. We held them to 24 shots but started flat, and that’s not something I can understand.”
Johan Steen scored the winning goal 13 seconds into the second overtime period in a 5-4 win in Port Alberni on Sunday, November 20, but it was not a clean game for the Kings, said Lewis.
However, there were positives from the weekend games, according to the coach, the biggest being learning lessons about expectations, consistency and how to win.
“You never disrespect an opponent for giving you a tough game,” he said. “But we can be better. We need to be better.”
Kings next action is Friday, November 25, versus Cowichan Valley Capitals; game time is 7:15 pm. The same two teams square off the following afternoon at 5 pm. Both games take place at Hap Parker Arena.
