Powell River Regals returned to action on Saturday, September 21, providing opposition for Lake Cowichan Appollos’ first game in more than 20 years. The Appollos are joining the Regals in pursuit of the Coy Cup, which is awarded to BC Hockey’s senior AA champion at season’s end.
Regals went out for warm-up at Cowichan Lake Sports Arena wearing their new black uniforms, which happened to match the new team.
“It turns out the Appollos only had black jerseys,” said Regals coach Tod English. “We took the high road and borrowed practice jerseys from the [Lake Cowichan] Kraken."
The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League team plays their home games at the same arena.
Appollos took a penalty seven seconds after the opening faceoff but scored while shorthanded shortly thereafter.
“We responded as Nic Porchetta notched his first of the year on a power play, assisted by Travis Granbois, to make it 1-1 after the first period,” said English.
Regals out chanced and outshot the home team 19-7 in the second period but could not find the back of the net. Appollos scored the only goal of the middle frame on a power play to take a 2-1 lead into the third period.
“Garrett Brandsma had a strong game, scoring shorthanded 24 seconds into the third, tying the game,” said English. “Appollos got their second power play goal to take lead at 8:16, but with Lazlo Tamasik pulled late for the extra attacker, Gabe Shipley roofed a wrist shot from the top of the circle to force overtime.”
The teams combined for just two shots during the four-on-four overtime period. Appollos took advantage of a bad bounce at blue line, which led to the winning goal for the home team.
Tamasik made 27 saves for the Regals, who outshot the Appollos 38-32. Porchetta and Brock Sawyer had one assist each.
“It was a good effort and great to start the season in front of a full house,” said English. “Our newcomers Bryson Cecconi, Ryan Pouliot, Mitch Williams and Mac Roy all had strong games and will help round out our roster as we make sure our contingent of players allows us to have a full lineup for every road trip.”
Regals travel to Nanaimo on October 12 to play the Steelmen before hosting Jackson Hole (Wyoming) Moose in their home opener weekend at Hap Parker Arena on October 18 and 19.
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