Powell River Kings head coach Kent Lewis has never been known as an excuse guy and he is not about to make excuses for his team losing three straight games to open its 2016/2017 BC Hockey League season.
According to Lewis, his forward lines are a big part of the reason the team lost three straight games; 2-1 to Victoria Grizzlies, 4-2 to Cowichan Valley Capitals and 5-2 to Nanaimo Clippers.
“We needed our veteran forwards to step up and execute; we didn’t get that,” said Lewis. “We needed to be a lot grittier and a lot harder working. That is something we’ll address this week.”
Of the few positives Lewis was able to take away from the road games, he said highly touted 17-year-old newcomer Ben Berard had two assists and hit four crossbars over the weekend.
Lewis said he was also happy with his goaltenders. Number one goalie Brian Wilson, played against Victoria and Cowichan, while rookie Mitch Adamyk faced Nanaimo.
Liam Lawson was the most effective forward, according to the coach, with two goals and one assist in three games.
Although the games were close and many scoring chances were generated, execution was lacking. Lewis said his team gave up in Cowichan and Nanaimo on Saturday and Sunday.
“You just can’t show up and expect the win,” he said. “You have to outwork your opponent.”
According to Lewis, the road games were a good challenge to open the season and one which the Kings did not have an answer for.
Powell River opens the home portion on its schedule Friday, September 16, against Penticton at Hap Parker Arena.
