A breath of fresh air swept through Hap Parker Arena over the weekend in the form of returning Powell River Kings regulars Evan Richardson, Luke Ripley, Jonah Imoo, Brian Rideout, Stephen Hiff, Jaret Smith and Matt Scarth.
Readers who are old enough will remember it was almost like someone called in the cavalry to bolster the embattled troops and that’s exactly what happened when the Kings shut out Vernon Vipers 3-0 on Friday and rattled Langley Rivermen 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Even the fans were excited when rejuvenated Powell River players took the ice against Vernon and adrenaline drove the pace early in the game.
Few shots occurred from either team but both goaltenders had to be sharp and the first period ended in a scoreless tie.
Kings stepped it up in the second period, definitely the more aggressive of the two, and ultimately won this one with the exceptional play of special teams.
Jordan Burns, Richardson and Drew Dorantes all scored on the powerplay, penalty killers stymied Vernon on theirs and goalie Imoo stood tall in the net to record his second shutout of the year.
Scarth was held without a point in his first game back from a shoulder injury, but he was beyond thrilled to return to the lineup. “It’s been 55 days,” he said. “I was just wired before the game, pretty much the same thing I felt at the beginning of the season.”
Getting so many players back at once helped add to the excitement. “Just knowing that the guys that are back are familiar faces at their roles gave us a comfort zone that allowed a guy to do what he does best,” said Scarth.
As frustrating as it was to watch from the stands Scarth said he learned, “the tendencies of the game and how important it is to be consistent. You see young rookies play outstanding games and then slide a little bit,” he said. “So I thought when I come back I’ll try to keep this intensity throughout the season and playoffs.”
He turned his own advice into a significant contribution on Sunday when he was chosen the first star with a pair of goals in the 5-1 win over Langley.
His linemate Richardson also had a brilliant game with a hardworking goal and a nifty assist on Scarth’s second to make it five points in his first two games back.
JP Villeneuve added one on a smooth shorthanded effort and Jarryd Leung banged in a rebound for the King’s fifth goal.
Imoo almost picked up his second straight shutout but happily collected his ninth win of the year with 23 saves.
Imoo, Richardson and Ripley returned to Powell River with silver medals after losing 6-3 to the United States in the World Junior A Challenge final, but Ripley said the experience overall was a very positive one.
“I got a lot better and learned some good lessons there,” he said, adding, “I had a blast and a lot of fun and it kind of re-energized me. I am having more fun playing hockey now than I’ve ever had. My role is the same as before but I think I have more to offer and, of course, I can always be better.”
One has the sense that the now healthier Kings are equally energized and Ripley said, “We’ve got Nanaimo coming in this week and those are two huge games so hopefully we can use the momentum from this weekend’s wins to be successful.”
Clippers will faceoff against the Kings at 7:30 pm on Friday, November 23 and again at 5 pm on Saturday, November 24.
Kings Scroll:
Fans can look forward to the unveiling of a shiny new Rocco on Friday, compliments of First Credit Union, and another tailgate party on Saturday sponsored by Dominion Lending Centres.
DIVISION: Island Division
TEAM GP W L T OTL PTS
Victoria 23 15 7 0 1 31
Nanaimo 23 13 8 0 2 28
Alberni Valley 25 12 9 0 4 28
Powell River 26 11 12 0 3 25
Cowichan Valley 21 6 13 0 2 14
