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Powell River Kings earn two points at home

Hockey team splits pair of games against Langley and Surrey
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EVANS RETURNS: Powell River Kings forward Jonny Evans is back from the injury list with his scoring touch intact. Evans had a three-point weekend in the Kings' two home games. Alicia Baas photo

Facing two tough mainland teams, Powell River Kings split a homestand in its latest BC Hockey League action. On December 1, in a game described as a dirty affair by coach Kent Lewis, his Kings beat the Langley Rivermen 3-2.

Goaltender Mateo Paler-Chow carried the Kings with 43 saves. Carter Turnbull scored his team-leading 18th goal of the season. Ben Berard and Callum Volpe also scored Kings’ goals, with all three in the game coming on the power play.

“We didn't generate a five-on-five goal, but if the other team wants to play dumb hockey then make sure your power play is good," said Lewis, "and it was good."

On December 2, the Kings lost 5-2 to the Surrey Eagles. Kings goals were scored by Berard, who had a four-point weekend with two goals and two assists, and Evans, who ended the weekend with three points. The visitors scored two quick goals in the first three minutes of the game and Kings never recovered.

Including injuries and goaltender Mitch Adamyk and Turnbull attending Team Canada West’s selection camp in Calgary, Lewis only had 18 players on his bench.

“We were a couple of guys shy," said Lewis. "It was certainly enough bodies to win, but we failed to show up.”

Kings outshot Eagles 32-25 but were not able to find a way to win.

“We had a ton of chances,” said Lewis. “We've got to start learning to be a hungrier hockey club. We've been going out relying on skill. We've got to rely on hard work. We're still working towards being a true Kings team.”

Kings have six important games on the road before the BC Hockey League holiday break.

Currently, the team remains in first place in the competitive Island Division race with 17 wins, seven losses, two overtime losses and two ties for 38 points.