Powell River Kings currently have eight new roster players for the 2017/2018 BC Hockey League (BCHL) season. In the offseason, head coach Kent Lewis’ goal was to add size, tenacity and aggressiveness to address a lack of physical toughness he said his team encountered against Island Division opponents last season. According to Lewis, the new players bring that while also adding depth and maturity to the team. Kings enter the 58-game BCHL regular season schedule with high hopes of a lengthy playoff run in March.
Nick Abbott
Age: 17
Position: Forward
Birthplace: Bonavista, NL
In his last season with Ontario Hockey Academy U17, Abbott collected 30 goals, 24 assists and 54 points. He showed he can score at the midget AAA level and the Kings hope he can make a successful switch to the bigger and faster BCHL.
Trent Bell
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Birthplace: Nanoose Bay, BC
As an affiliate player last year, Bell played one game with the Kings and scored a goal. His first full season with the team will also be his last year of junior eligibility. Lewis said Bell has speed, goes to the corners, works hard as a forechecker and finishes his hits.
Kyle Kawamura
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Birthplace: Franklin, TN
At five-feet, six-inches tall and 155 pounds, Kamakura is not big. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with grit and an offensive upside including a good shot, according to Lewis. Kawamura has committed to University of Maine for the 2018/2019 season.
Nathan Kelly
Age: 16
Position: Defence
Birthplace: Tsawwassen, BC
Prior to joining the Kings, Kelly played two seasons with Greater Vancouver Canadians of the BC Major Midget League. In 2016/2017, Kelly had a breakout year with 35 points in 35 games, including 33 assists. Lewis said Kelly has good size, sees the ice and skates well, and will have a good career with the Kings.
Kevin Obssuth
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Birthplace: Morristown, NJ
This season is Obssuth’s first with the Kings and also his last year of junior eligibility. He has committed to join Canisius College Golden Griffins (Buffalo, NY) next fall. Obssuth scored 31 points in each of the last two seasons in the US Premier Hockey League. The six-foot, one-inch, 181-pound forward has the tenacity and aggressiveness Lewis was looking for during offseason recruiting.
Matteo Paler-Chow
Age: 18
Position: Goaltender
Birthplace: Vancouver, BC
Paler-Chow, who is smaller than other goaltenders the Kings have previously brought in, is expected to back up Mitch Adamyk, the Kings number one goaltender for 2017/2018. Paler-Chow was an affiliate player last season and played one game with the Kings. He was the number-one netminder for the Grandview Steelers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League last season.
Ben Raffler
Age: 19
Position: Defence
Birthplace: Burnaby, BC
Raffler has had previous stints with Kings: two games in 2015/2016 and 19 more last year. He is familiar with BCHL game and the Island Division, and has played 20 games for Campbell River Storm. Raffler is 194 pounds and describes himself as a two-way defender.
Mitch Williams
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Birthplace: Prince George, BC
Williams is a big forward who brings physical toughness to the Kings offence. He spent most of the 2016/2017 season with Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s Campbell River Storm and also played six games BCHL’s Surrey Eagles and one with Nanaimo Clippers. Lewis said Williams is strong down low and with puck possession at both ends of the ice.
