For the first time in this year’s BC Hockey League playoffs, Powell River Kings had to play from behind after dropping a pair of games in Prince George last weekend.
With Prince George Spruce Kings’ victory over Surrey Eagles in the Mainland Division final on March 25, the third longest possible playoff series in the BCHL, 890 kilometres rink-to-rink, was confirmed for the first time ever. As the higher seed, Prince George hosted the first game of the best-of-seven league semi-final on March 30.
The opening period was reflective of a harsh reality in the series, that Powell River and Prince George had only played each other twice and were unfamiliar with their opponents’ game plan and style. After a scoreless opening period, Powell River broke the deadlock with a Carmine Buono point shot that Ben Berard deflected in for a 1-0 advantage.
The lead only lasted three minutes. Prince George tied the game at one in the second period before scoring the eventual game winner early in the third for a 2-1 victory. Powell River goaltender Matteo Paler-Chow stopped 28 shots in the loss.
“The first half of that game, both teams were trying to feel each other out,” said Powell River defender Callum Volpe. “There were definitely some nerves on both sides and hopefully they’re all shaken out for the rest of this series.”
Powell River highlighted two focal points from game one the team wanted to address the following night. Prince George went to the power play seven times, while Powell River registered only 25 shots on goal, numbers too high and too low for a Powell River team in the playoffs.
“Prince George got both their goals on the power play so we have to stay out of the box,” said Powell River forward Mitch Williams. “We also need more traffic in front of the net, more zone time, and to keep the puck down low and keep cycling.”
A better start for both teams in game two on March 31, also hosted by Prince George, showed an increased level of familiarity, but saw the score again read 0-0 through the first 20 minutes.
Prince George took control in the second period as Powell River made several trips to the penalty box. Three goals by the Spruce Kings broke the game wide open, followed by another pair in the third period before Powell River defender Jack Long scored on a shot from the side of the net. The 5-1 win gave the home team a 2-0 series advantage.
“It’s difficult right now; it’s emotional and it is playoffs,” said Powell River coach Brock Sawyer, who was critical of a number of decisions that went against his team. “It’s tough to break out of the corner when there are two hands around your hips and a stick in there. We can’t get away from a hold and I’m unsure how that goes undetected. It’s frustrating, we didn’t generate enough at even strength, our discipline wasn’t good and we let the refs get the better of us.”
Game three took place back in Powell River on April 2 at Hap Parker Arena, where a quick start from the home team saw the Kings jump out to a 2-0 lead. Neal Samanski opened the scoring on a shot from the left boards; 15 seconds later Kevin Obssuth scored in his return to the lineup after missing eight games due to injury.
Prince George players battled their way back into the game through a goal in the second period, and a game-tying goal early in the third to force overtime for the first time in this series.
Midway through double overtime, Berard found the back of the net for his third overtime game winner of the playoffs and a 3-2 Powell River win. The goal came on a power play, snapping a skid of 26 straight man advantages without a goal.
“It’s been a long time, since Nanaimo in the first round,” said Berard following the game. “I wasn’t even thinking about it being a power-play goal, I was just so excited at the time to score, end the game and get a win.”
Results from game four, which took place on Tuesday, April 3, in Powell River, were not available at press time.
The series continues with game five in Prince George on Thursday, April 5. If necessary, game six will be played in Powell River on Saturday, April 7, and a deciding game seven is scheduled for Monday, April 9, in Prince George.
The winner of this series advances to the 2018 Fred Page Cup final against either Wenatchee Wild or Trail Smoke Eaters.
