On the heels of the season’s first shutout on Tuesday, November 20, a 3-0 defeat of Alberni Valley, Powell River Kings continued a seven-game homestand at Hap Parker Arena by hosting Cowichan Valley Capitals for a pair of games.
The contest on Friday, November 23, was big for many reasons. It was an opportunity for Powell River to build on Tuesday’s result, BCHL commissioner Chris Hebb was in attendance, and a key member from last year’s team returned from injury reserve as Matteo Paler-Chow made his first start in more than 230 days, dating back to game five of last season’s BCHL semi-final series between Powell River and Prince George.
After a rough start for Paler-Chow and the Kings, who conceded the first goal fewer than two minutes in, the home team held firm and skated to the dressing room at intermission down 1-0. A flurry of action in the second period saw Powell River tie the game three times, only to fall behind shortly after.
Kyle Kawamura’s powerplay effort was cancelled out 28 seconds afterward by a Cowichan goal, and Ryan Brushett scored on another powerplay, only for Cowichan to retake the lead 1:07 later. Ethan Kimball tied the game at three before the period was out with Powell River outshooting Cowichan 19-8 in the frame.
An early powerplay goal from Christian Buono kicked off a seesaw third period that saw Brushett add a second goal. Kings took the lead twice, only to be reeled in by Cowichan with Paul Selleck forcing overtime with 2:10 remaining. However, early into the overtime session, Brushett completed his first hat trick of the season for a 6-5 Powell River win.
Paler-Chow stopped 20 Cowichan shots in his return. Kings went a season-best three for four on the powerplay.
“It was super exciting, and just a moment I had been looking forward to since returning to Powell River last week,” said Paler-Chow. “I don’t want to make excuses for myself, but there was some rust. I’ve been practising hard, and they prepared me well, but nothing’s like the pressure of a game. I’m determined to be where I want to be as soon as possible.”
The same two teams wrapped the weekend on Saturday, November 24, as Kings went back to Mitch Adamyk, who was coming off a 33-save shutout of Alberni Valley on Tuesday. An early chance to the Capitals forced a highlight reel save from Adamyk in the first period, and showed he was still on his game.
Ryan Pouliot notched a late first-period powerplay goal off a faceoff win, with Brushett adding another on a second-period powerplay to extend the lead. Josh Coblenz made it 3-0 midway through the game and the rest was left to Adamyk, who stopped 32 shots for his 11th win of the season and second consecutive shutout. Adamyk has now played 128:37 of perfect hockey, dating back to the third period against Chilliwack on November 17.
“I felt like I wasn’t playing as good as I can for the first part of this season; I knew I had better in me, so it’s nice to see the hard work coming together,” said Adamyk following the win. “Having Chow back is huge; he’s a good buddy and we push each other well. Having [goalie coach] Sean Maguire relaying his knowledge and experience, all the little things from his playing days, it’s been a huge help.”
Adamyk’s play, along with a stellar week from Brushett, helped earn the pair league recognition on Monday, November 26. Brushett was named BCHL Player of the Week for a five goal, three assist week through three games. Adamyk earned an honourable mention for 65 consecutive stops through two games.
Kings wrap their seven-game home stand at Hap Parker Arena on Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1, against Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Game times are 7 pm on Friday and 5 pm on Saturday.
