After a slow start, and thanks to strong goaltending from Josh McCormick and Leo Brosseau, Powell River U18 Kings were able to claw their way back into a minor hockey game versus Strathcona Bears on Saturday, December 10.
Kings caught the early ferry for the late morning start at Comox Valley Sports Centre and were outshot heavily in the first period.
Strathcona beat McCormick once in the first period, while Kings’ forward Braedyn Harris was thwarted on a breakaway, his team’s best chance over the first 20 minutes of the game.
The home team converted on a power play 27 seconds into period two, then made it 3-0 three minutes later, again with an extra attacker on the ice.
With only one game to play on the weekend, and the next contest a month away, McCormick gave way to Brosseau at the 10-minute mark of the middle frame. He was unbeatable the rest of the way.
Powell River broke the shutout bid prior to the start of the third period. Noah Culos capitalized on a five on three power play by holding his position in front of the net and redirecting a pass from Ben Belyea into the back of the net. Jeremy Pukesh also picked up an assist on the play.
In an even final 20 minutes of play, Kings’ defender Reece Deeble was the only player on either team to score on a goaltender. His shot from the point with 4:44 on the clock eluded the Bears’ netminder and cut the lead to 3-2. Belyea was credited with his second assist of the game.
Kings pulled Brosseau in favour of an extra attacker in the final minutes, but were unable to add a tying goal. Bears scored into the empty net with 20 seconds remaining to make the final 4-2.
In total, Brosseau and McCormick made 40 saves while playing half the game each.
Powell River’s next game is January 7 in Nanaimo.
