Powell River Kings returned to home ice on Monday, April 3, after earning a split from the first two games of their playoff series versus Surrey Eagles over the weekend.
Eagles quickly quelled any momentum the Kings gained from their 5-3 win at South Surrey Arena in game two with a goal just 1:05 after the opening faceoff at Hap Parker Arena. The visitors doubled the lead before the nine-minute mark to take a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes.
Powell River responded early in the second period (44 seconds), capitalizing on a power play in the first minute of play when Karter McNarland and Casey Aman combined to set up Jack Blanchett to cut the lead in half. Anthony Lucarelli tied the game 2-2 only 18 seconds later, with assists going to Adam Mendelson and Cameron Symons.
Kings were unable to score again, despite sending 36 shots at Eagles’ goalie and second star of the game Michael Sochan. Kyle Metson stopped 30 shots in defeat and picked up third star honours behind Sochan and Eagles’ forward Ryden Evers, who scored once and set up the game winner.
Zachary Wagnon scored the winning goal for Surrey at 11:35 of the second period to make the final 3-2 and give his team a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven BC Hockey League (BCHL) first round series.
Attendance was 861.
The two teams meet again tonight at Hap Parker Arena. Game time is 7 pm.
