Powell River Regals kicked off their 2022/2023 senior AA hockey season on the road with a pair of games versus 2023 Coy Cup hosts Quesnel Kangaroos.
A tight game through 40 minutes on September 30 slipped away from the Regals in the third period.
“Lucas Dupius had a spectacular game in net for his first game of the year,” said Regals' coach Tod English. “We were outshot 39 to 13 but were able to hold them to a 5-4 lead going into third.”
Quesnel added two late goals for a 7-4 win.
“Mike Behan and Kyle English logged a lot of ice time on defence and enabled Lucas to see pucks,” added English. “We did a good job keeping shots on net from the perimeter."
Ethan Schmunk scored a pair of goals for the Regals in the second period; Will Malcolm and Lane Wycotte also scored for the visitors.
Goaltender Rob McNutt was between the pipes for game two on October 2.
“Like Lucas, he had a 40-shot game,” said English. “During the first period we took seven minor penalties, which took its toll on our penalty killers, and Rob.”
Isaac Embrie scored the lone goal for the Regals, who trailed 3-1 after 20 minutes and 4-1 after two periods.
“The third period was all effort from our players but conditioning and a few injuries made it difficult to sustain the attack of the Kangaroos,” added English.
Quesnel added four more goals en route to an 8-1 win.
Regals travel to Penticton for a pair of games against the Silver Bullets on October 14 and 15.
Penticton makes the return trip the following weekend (October 21 and 22) for a pair of games at Hap Parker Arena.
