A combination of three forward lines and six defencemen helped a travel-weary Powell River Regals squad to a road win over Nanaimo Steelemen in game two of the 2025 McCallum Cup west coast senior hockey championship on February 1.
“Coming off a six-day road trip to Wyoming, we were short players for Saturday in front of a packed Nanaimo Ice Centre,” said Regals’ coach Tod English. “Newcomer and affiliate player from VIU Mariners Logan Kurki slotted in with Brett Kinley and Bryson Cecconi for a combined 10 points in a convincing 8-1 win.”
Regals converted two of four power play opportunities into goals and have averaged over 50 per cent with the extra skater in the last four games. Riley Billy played his first game of the season, scoring once and assisting on a pair of goals.
Kinley and Cecconi each scored twice. Nic Porchetta and Kurki has the other two goals. Cecconi (three), Brock Sawyer (two), Kukri (two) and Garrett Brandsma recorded assists.
“Brock was huge for us on defence, playing alongside 18-year-old Tyler Durant and quarterbacking our power play,” said English.
Usual forwards Travis Granbois and Brandsma slotted back on defence to round out the lineup of 15 skaters.
“We have several Swiss-army-knife-type players, which is a massive benefit when needed,” added English. “The power plays and one shorthanded goal really put the game away for us. As coaches, we are encouraged by our special teams, our discipline not taking penalties and the players’ commitment to improving in our own end.”
Goaltender Laszlo Tamasik stopped 36 of the 37 shots he faced to earn the win. Regals play game four of the McCallum Cup series in Lake Cowichan on February 15.
Game three (Lake Cowichan at Nanaimo), game five (Nanaimo at Regals) and game six (Lake Cowichan at Nanaimo) also take place this month. Two points are awarded for a win in the playoff series, one point for an overtime loss and one point in the case of a tie (no shootouts).
The team with the most points after game six will be awarded the McCallum Cup.
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