Powell River Regals travelled to Merritt last weekend needing a pair of wins in order to advance to the Coy Cup final, which is the provincial championship at the AA level of senior hockey.
Dawson Creek Canucks provided the opposition for the neutral site games, but the northern BC team only needed one win to book its spot in the final due to a superior playoff record in earlier rounds.
“We had a full bench and two extra players in the stands,” said Regals’ coach Tod English. “But we came up against a very disciplined, veteran team that played like a champion.”
The two teams met in the Savage Cup (provincial AAA level) semi-final in 2004, when the Canucks won a four-overtime thriller on home ice. The latest game on March 5 was not nearly as close.
Dawson Creek opened the scoring at even strength four minutes into the first period, and added a shorthanded marker six minutes later to take a 2-0 lead.
Special teams continued to play a role later in the period. A Regals’ penalty led to a power play goal, then 12 seconds later, the designated visiting team scored again to make it 4-0, ending the night for goaltender Rob McNutt, who was replaced by Kevin Craig.
“We came out strong in the second period and outshot them 21-4, which proved we could get pucks deep and pressure the offensive zone,” said English. “Dawson Creek goalie Kenton White stoned all our attempts, and they scored three goals on their four shots, which made it very difficult.”
Entering the third period down 7-0, Regals continued to push to get on the scoreboard, and heavily outshot the Canucks again, this time 14-5, but again came up empty while the opposition added two more goals to make the final 9-0.
Overall shots were 44-23 in favour of Powell River.
“Four power play goals and one shorthanded goal against was a valuable learning experience,” explained English. “Against a good team you can’t take penalties and not take advantage of your own power plays.”
With the season ended, English looked forward to the future of the team.
“We were defeated, but this is definitely the best building of players and engagement we’ve had since 2010,” he said. “Other than 12-year veteran Trevor Burnett, the 15 rostered players from Powell River are all under 25; in total we have 11 under 22. This is the first time we’ve had a cycle like this since the early 1980s when the likes of Mike Andrews, Randy Casparie and John Vanderkemp started playing.”
English was appreciative of local organizations for producing the talent now laden on the Regals’ roster.
“On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Powell River Minor Hockey Association and the Powell River Kings for developing these local players so we can compete and strive for provincial titles and more,” said English. “If it wasn’t for the complete development of hockey in our community, this would not be possible. These young men showed us they can compete at this level, and showed community spirit and pride on and off the ice.”
In addition to Burnett, the 2021/2022 roster included Gabe Shipley, Jack Long, Kyle English, Mike Behan, Tyler Carpendale, Ethan Schmunk, Braedon Behan, Mikey Marklund, Cohen Mastrodonato, Colby Shelton, Ryan Fairgray, Markus Berghauser, Billy Walters and Brett Kinley.
English also thanked fans who have supported the Regals over the years and applauded the alumni from the team’s 63 years of existence who still show support.
“We had four sets of parents who drove up to Merritt to watch, too,” he added. “Thank you to them for being there.”
English said plans for next season’s schedule are already in the works.
