Kaleb Nelson scored twice and added an assist to lead Powell River Kings in a 5-2 road win over Cowichan Valley Capitals on January 2.
Nelson was named the game’s first star ahead of teammate Maxim Potvin (second) and Capitals’ forward Matteo Turrin (third), who each had a goal and an assist in the BC Hockey League (BCHL) game.
Matthias Smith earned the win in goal for Powell River, stopping 27 of 29 shots, while his counterpart Matthew Hutchinson made 23 saves for the home team.
Powell River capitalized on three of six power play opportunities, including one goal with the extra attacker in each period.
After Cowichan opened the scoring 5:09 into the first period, Kings wasted little time when the home team took the first penalty of the game at 11:02; Potvin tied the score at one 18 seconds later.
Hunter Andrew’s second period power play goal (13:31) came after and before Nelson’s pair of even strength markers at 2:51 and 14:38.
Parker Lalonde’s 10th of the BCHL season completed the trio of special team goals for the Kings in period three (6:10), 47 seconds before Turrin rounded out the scoring (6:57) for the Capitals.
In addition to Nelson’s helper in the third period, Ethan Riesterer, Lalonde, Dylan Finlay and Karter McNarland recorded assists for Powell River.
Attendance at Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan was 658.
Kings host Victoria Grizzlies at Hap Parker Arena on Wednesday, January 5. Game time is 7 pm.
