Rossland Warriors eliminated Powell River Regals from Coy Cup contention with a 4-3 win at Hap Parker Arena on Saturday, March 8.
Jack Long, Bryson Cecconi and Mac Roy scored for the Regals, who trailed 2-1 after 20 minutes and 3-2 following two periods.
Long opened the scoring with a shot from the point four minutes into the game, with assists by Brock Sawyer and Chad Niddery. Rossland tied it on a deflection just after their power play ended midway through the first period and took the lead four minutes later.
Regals’ forward Mitch Williams hit the post on a penalty shot early in a second period that was goal-less until late in the frame when Nic Porchetta and Niddery set up Bryson Cecconi’s third goal of the series at the 16:45 mark. The tied score was short-lived, however, as the visitors responded to take the lead before Cecconi’s goal was even announced.
Rossland’s game winner came on another power play with eight minutes remaining in the third period.
“It was a back and forth game, but just seemed like there was a lack of flow with many untimely penalties,” said Regals’ assistant coach Scott Mastrodonato. “We had our chances once again but found ourselves behind and running out of time. We mounted an exciting comeback but it wasn't enough.”
Mac Roy (from Ethan Schmunk and Mike Behan) cut the deficit to 4-3 with a goal after a scramble and flurry of chances in front of the Warriors’ goal with 4:20 left, but the Regals took a roughing penalty while celebrating and had to kill off another penalty before pushing for a tying goal.
“It was a bit of frustration and disappointment with the overall outcome as we saw a lot of good things, but in the end the goals just weren't there,” said Mastrodonato, adding that the team still had confidence prior to game two and were intent on extending the series. “We will learn and grow from this and come back next season with a desire to get better. It's an exciting brand of hockey and we're still a young team looking to improve. The community support we received was unbelievable once again.”
With the win, Rossland clinched the best-of-three qualification series in two straight games and advanced to the Coy Cup BC championship tournament in Prince Rupert later this month.
“We outshot our opponent 83 to 51 over the two games and carried most of the possession,” said Regals’ coach Tod English. “We are proud of our young team and we are very close to the next step. The support was undeniable; we thank all the sponsors and fans for being there for our team.”
The visitors won game one on March 7 by a score of 6-4. Both games were played in Powell River.
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