Despite strong goaltending from Cam Stevenson, and taking a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, Powell River Regals were unable to muster any more offence against Kelowna Sparta on Saturday, December 14, at Hap Parker Arena.
“I thought both teams matched up evenly,” said Regals’ coach Tod English. “In the second period we had an early power play and couldn’t connect, then gave up a power play goal to make it 1-1.”
Sparta added two more goals late in the middle frame to take a 3-1 lead, then added another pair in the third period, including one into an empty net to seal a 5-1 victory.
Regals played host to Sparta again the following day and were more successful in finding the back of the net, but so were their opponents. Kelowna posted a 9-4 win to sweep the two-game weekend series.
English said the team has improved after playing three consecutive weekends at home but being consistent for a full 60 minutes will be crucial come playoff time.
“We showed we could put a few in the net, but not having Kyle Bodie, Mike Behan and Ryan Alexander in our lineup was a somewhat challenging,” said English. “We did have newcomer Josh Gray, who showed very well and made an impact on a line with Billy Walters and Brett Kinley.”
Regals will be announcing their Coy Cup playoff schedule in the new year, with a best-of-three series taking place in Powell River.
“We will be playing to determine one of two remaining spots available for the provincial championship,” said English. “Rossland, Kelowna and Dawson Creek are also vying for this.”
The tournament will take place from March 24 to 28 in Quesnel.
