Twenty-four hours after securing their first win of 2023 versus Campbell River, U18 Kings hosted Oceanside Generals on Sunday, January 23, and found themselves trailing 1-0 just 1:59 into the game.
The visiting club doubled its lead three minutes later and held the home team off the score sheet until the second period, when Paxton Schreiber set up Chase Fontaine, who spun around in the slot and sent a shot past the Generals’ goaltender.
The teams traded goals later in the period. After Oceanside had taken a second two-goal lead, Kings' forward Noah Culos cut the deficit to 3-2 by chasing a rebound into the crease and tapping in a bouncing puck. Tyler Durant picked up an assist on the play.
Oceanside scored the only two goals in the third period, one on a breakaway for insurance and another into an empty net with 19 seconds left on the clock.
Josh McCormick made 26 saves for the Kings, who were outshot 31-29 overall.
Powell River returns to action on Saturday, January 28, hosting North Island Eagles (Tri-Port) in the rink at Powell River Recreation Complex. Game time is 1:30 pm.
Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association playoffs begin the following weekend.
