Powell River Kings held first and second period leads but ultimately fell 5-4 to the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday, December 3.
Both teams faced and overcame deficits during the BC Hockey League contest at Hap Parker Arena. Nathan Small opened the scoring in the first period for the Kings, but the Bulldogs responded in quick succession to the home team’s second goal by Nic Porchetta 9:19 into period two. The visitors scored twice in the span of 61 seconds at 9:54 and 10:53.
The flurry of goals continued just under a minute later when Hunter Andrew scored while killing a penalty to make it 3-2 for Powell River. The lead was short-lived, however, as Alberni converted on the same power play opportunity 43 seconds later to knot the score at three prior to intermission.
The teams traded goals early in the final frame. Bulldogs took a 4-3 lead before the period was a minute old, then Porchetta and Aaron Neal combined to set up Caleb Parkhouse’s third of the season to tie the game at four with 18 minutes remaining.
Bulldogs outshot the Kings 16-5 in the third period (and 39-27 overall) and scored the eventual game-winning goal at the 11:11 mark.
Neal had two assists on the night. Casey Aman, Anthony Lucarelli, Parkhouse and Karter McNarland recorded one helper each.
The two teams meet again tonight (December 4) at Hap Parker Arena. Game time is 7 pm.
