Weekends have been busy for Powell River Atom Development Canadian Tire Kings. Since mid-January the team has hosted back-to-back games against Victoria Ice Hawks, Saanich Braves and Kerry Park Islanders. These have been high-scoring games with Caleb Parkhouse and Jonah McLaren standing out as top scorers.
Ice Hawks opened scoring when they visited Powell River the weekend of January 14. Saturday’s game had a slow start for the Kings and only Parkhouse could find the net for a 5-1 loss. Sunday proved far better and after falling behind by two goals early in the first period, Parkhouse scored a hat trick and McLaren added the last for Powell River to win 4-3.
The following weekend a strong goaltender helped Saanich Braves retain a 2-2 tie during the first game. Parkhouse and Liam Schreiber scored for the Kings. Unfortunately, the Kings were slow to start the second game and took a beating when the Braves scored five goals to Parkhouse and McLaren’s two.
When Kerry Park arrived on Saturday, January 28, the Kings were prepared. They were on the scoreboard within 25 seconds due to a goal by Parkhouse. It took until late in the second period before the Islanders could score. Both McLaren and Parkhouse scored two goals each, plus Schreiber, Ryan Ciarniello and Drew Sundberg would find the net. Kerry Park added two more quick goals but it was not enough to beat Powell River who won 6-3.
Kings’ Coach Randy Casparie remarked on the huge effort by the whole team. “We ramped up the intensity at practice last week and the kids responded and played a very sound game,” he said. “We got a solid effort from all three lines as well as great defence and excellent goaltending.”
The Kings took their energy and experience to Strathcona Gardens, Campbell River, for a tournament over the February 4 weekend. They won one and lost three games. The players put in an exceptional effort and showed they can compete with very sound play and put up a strong challenge against each team.
