Powell River Kings solidified their hold on the fourth and final BC Hockey League Island Division playoff spot with a 3-1 road win over last place Victoria Grizzlies on Saturday, January 11.
Kings dominated period one, outshooting the home team 10-4 and taking a 1-0 lead when Brett Pfoh and Dylan Hewlett set up Michael Abgrall’s eighth goal of the season.
Powell River controlled the second period as well, despite having to kill a five-minute penalty after forward Jacob Slipec was ejected from the game for a knee-on-knee hit. Jacob Badal scored at even strength and Ethan Schmunk added a power-play goal to increase the lead to 3-0. Rowan Miller, Davis Pennington, Dylan Finley and Abgrall drew assists.
Grizzlies responded three seconds before the second intermission to round out the scoring.
Victoria outshot Powell River 25-4 in the third period but were unable to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Powell River goaltender Thomas Wardle made 40 saves overall to earn the win.
Wardle was named the game’s third star behind Abgrall (first) and Victoria rookie Andrew Amousse (second).
Kings face Cowichan Valley Capitals at 2 pm in Duncan on Sunday, January 12, before returning home to host Nanaimo Clippers for a pair of games on Friday, January 17, and Saturday, January 18.
