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Powell River Kings cruise to shutout win

Injury to opposing player overshadows Matteo Paler-Chow’s 20-save performance
Matteo Paler-Chow
NO GOAL: Powell River Kings rookie netminder Matteo Paler-Chow recorded his first career BC Hockey League shutout in a 7-0 win over Coquitlam Express on October 22. Alicia Baas photo

Powell River Kings came away with one win and a rare tie in two BC Hockey League games held at Hap Parker Arena last weekend.

Matteo Paler-Chow earned his first BC Hockey League shutout with 20 saves as Kings trounced Coquitlam Express 7-0 on October 23. The rookie goaltender’s performance was overshadowed by an injury to Express defender Jordan Schulting, who hit his head on the boards near the Kings bench in the second period. Kings forward Hunter Findlater was called for cross-checking on the play at 14:02 of the second period and received a game misconduct.

“The Coquitlam player was lying on the ice, he had some seizures and was convulsing; it was disturbing,” said head coach Kent Lewis. “We are very blessed to have the staff we have. Most notable, our parents are comforted by the fact that trainer Terry Dyer is a paramedic and Doctor Nick White was there. For the doctors who attend every game, a huge thank you to them.”

Even before play was stopped, Dyer was on the ice to help Schulting and doctors were on the scene immediately afterward. Both teams were sent to their dressing rooms while the injured player was attended to and an ambulance was brought on the ice.

“It was traumatic for everyone in the arena,” said Lewis.

Schulting spent the night in Powell River General Hospital before being released the following morning and returning to Coquitlam.

On October 20, Kings skated to a 3-3 stalemate with Prince George Spruce Kings after two overtime periods failed two produce a winning goal.

Kings forward Carter Turnbull had a strong weekend offensively with six points, including four goals and two assists. Defender Carmine Buono also recorded a six-point weekend with six assists.

Kings remain in first place in the Island Division with a one-point lead and two games in hand over Victoria Grizzlies; the team has held top spot since the season opened. With depth on the bench and a balanced defence and offense, Kings have given up the second fewest goals against in the league and are one the top offensive clubs.

Even with the dangerous scoring punch, Lewis will not go so far as to say his team is the best in the league.

“There’s no resting on statistics,” said Lewis. “We have a good idea of what we're capable of. We need to keep getting better because it gets harder.”