Powell River Kings forward Ben Berard scored the eventual game-winning goal 12 minutes into the second period to lead his team to a 5-1 victory in game one of the best-of-seven BC Hockey League Island Division final against Victoria Grizzlies in the capital city.
Defender Carmine Buono opened the scoring in the first period before setting up Berard’s 5th of the playoffs. Ethan Kimball and Neal Samanski then combined to set up Ben Thomas’ first goal of the playoffs to give the Kings a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes.
Carter Turnbull’s 5th of the post-season made it 4-0 eight minutes into the third period before the Grizzlies were able to solve Kings’ goaltender Matteo Paler-Chow, whose 30 save performance earned first star honours on the night. Josh Coblenz rounded out the scoring with 18 seconds remaining in the game.
Kings swept the three stars selections: Buono’s two-point night garnered the veteran second star status while fellow defender Nathan Kelly was named third star of the game.
Puck drop for game two is 7 pm on Saturday, March 17, at the Q Centre in Victoria.
