It didn't take long for Powell River Kings to score their first goal of the 2023/2024 BC Hockey League (BCHL) regular season on Friday, September 22. Carter Lundie did the honours 1:33 into the first period at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in Merritt, assisted by Noah Eyre.
The lead did not last, however, as the Centennials knotted the score at one goal apiece late in the opening frame and jumped out to a 3-1 lead just 2:24 into the second period. Kings bounced back with goals from Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero and team captain Anthony Lucarelli to tie the score again, this time at 3-3 heading into the third period.
A Centennials' power play goal at 6:47 of the third period stood up as the winner. The home team added an insurance marker 1:29 later en route to a 5-3 win.
Van Houtte-Cachero also assisted on two goals, as did Eyre. Lucarelli and Anthony Yu had one helper each for the Kings, who were outshot 41-38. Goaltender Owen Crudale made 36 saves in defeat.
Merritt outshot Powell River 41-38. Attendance was 518. Here are the highlights:
Kings open the home portion of their schedule on Friday, September 29, when Victoria Grizzlies visit Hap Parker Arena. Defending Page Cup champion Penticton Vees come to town on Saturday, September 30. Both games start at 7 pm.
Six-time Stanley Cup champions Glenn Anderson will be at both games to take part in the home-opening weekend. Anderson won five Stanley Cups with Edmonton Oilers (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990) and one with New York Rangers (1994) over his 16-year National Hockey League career. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.
Powell River played five preseason games, all on the road, and compiled a record of two wins (4-1 over Langley and 5-4 over Cranbrook) and three losses (3-2 to Coquitlam, 7-3 to Trail and 5-3 to Prince George).
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