Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will this year’s edition of the Powell River Kings. After taking the reins of the team in May, new head coach Tyler Kuntz has bombarded his troops with information on new systems, new philosophies and new methods designed to create a winning game plan.
That information takes time to sink in and become second nature.
“To date, I’ve seen a group of players who have received a lot of information, a lot of practice sessions and a lot of video in a pretty short amount of time, and they’re still processing it,” said Kuntz.
As the team prepares for its 30th anniversary season opener at Hap Parker Arena on Saturday, September 8, players and coaches are reflecting on a winless four-game exhibition schedule that saw the Kings go up against near opening night rosters each game.
To close August, Kings ventured to Vancouver Island to play three games. On August 24, Powell River lost 6-2 to Alberni Valley, 5-4 in overtime to Cowichan Valley Capitals the following night, then went past 60 minutes again in Nanaimo on August 26 against the Clippers before falling 3-2.
“You could see there's been a lot of learning, and as the exhibitions went on you could see that guys were starting to get the things coach Kuntz has been teaching us,” said second-year forward Ethan Kimball.
Results from the trio of games weren’t indicative of the way this team sees itself fitting into the Island Division and BCHL standings. The complexity of the game plan, combined with the volume of information means players are still adapting to their new reality.
“The message from Tyler has been that we're not going to be a team that beats ourselves,” said returning blueliner Ben Raffler. “We're going to play our systems, play smart hockey and in doing that it will frustrate the other team into making a big mistake. It's a steady process, playing the right way and forcing errors and turnovers.”
To wrap its exhibition schedule, Powell River played a neutral-site game in Comox Valley against the Nanaimo on September 2. After a solid opening period where Powell River jumped out to a 2-0 lead, Nanaimo rallied for six unanswered goals, including five in the second period and won the game 6-2.
The four games are all the hockey the team will get before opening the season at home against a familiar opponent. Powell River officially starts the 2018/2019 BC Hockey League season against Victoria. Prior to puck drop, Kings will raise the 2017/2018 Island Division Championship banner they won against the Grizzlies in last year’s playoffs. Game time is 7 pm.
This year’s roster is set to feature 12 players from last year’s division championship team plus another five with previous BCHL experience. One of the rookies entering action is Matt Fawcett, who is tipped to provide the Kings with scoring punch.
“Everything's been going great, I'm adapting to life in Powell River and I'm really happy with the season so far,” said Fawcett. “I’m looking to bring some speed, skill and scoring chances, but I want to contribute defensively as well and just be a solid all-round player for this team.”
Kings are hosting a pregame tailgate party prior to Saturday’s home opener. The Rotary Club of Powell River will be providing food and drinks to fans, with all proceeds going to Canadian Tire Jumpstart. More information about the home opener can be found at powellriverkings.com/.
