With training camp on the horizon, Powell River Kings have made multiple deals to acquire a goaltender for the upcoming BC Hockey League (BCHL) season.
Kings traded 2003-born forward Kaleb Nelson and future considerations to the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) in exchange for fellow 2003 forward Eric Bertelson. Bertelson was subsequently flipped, along with Kings’ 2002 defender Nathan Small, to the OJHL’s Burlington Cougars in a trade for 2003-born goaltender Kyle Metson and future considerations.
Metson, who is from Belle River, Ontario, posted a 2.63 goals against average and .913 save percentage in his first OJHL season last year, while compiling a record of 21-5-1 en route to leading his team to a division title.
With former Kings’ goaltender Matthias Smith on his way to the National Collegiate Athletic Association and crease partner Zak Brice heading to the North American Hockey League, there was a void in the crease that needed to be filled, according to general manager Chad van Diemen.
“Kyle is coming off a strong season in Burlington and we feel he can come in and do a great job for us as a veteran goalie,” stated van Diemen, who added that it was tough to trade two young talents in Nelson and Small, but it was a necessary move.
“We want to thank Kaleb and Nathan for their time as Kings and their contributions on and off the ice,” stated van Diemen. “We needed to address our goaltending situation and we had to give up good players to acquire a good goalie."
Both Nelson and Small played one season for the Kings. Nelson collected eight goals and four assists over 44 games, while Small notched four goals and added 14 assists in 47 games.
Metson will suit up in Kings’ colours for the first time one week from today when training camp opens on September 2.
