Powell River Kings built a 4-1 lead in their home-opening game of the 2023/2024 BC Hockey League (BCHL) season on September 29, but an announced crowd of 1,665 at Hap Parker Arena went home disappointed after watching Victoria Grizzlies claw their way back to a 5-4 win.
Kings’ captain Anthony Lucarelli and teammate Anthony Yu brought fans to their feet by combining to set up Will Jones to open the scoring at 11:21 of the first period. After Grizzlies’ winger Reegan Hiscock tied the game two minutes later, Noah Eyre and Yu each scored for Powell River to give the home team a 3-1 lead prior to intermission.
Yu collected his third point of the night on a power play at 7:14 of the second period, setting up Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero’s second goal of the season, with the second helper credited to Jones.
Grizzlies cut the deficit to 4-3 after 40 minutes with goals by Anderson Pirtle and Nathan King. Following Tim Busconi’s tying goal at 9:39 of the third period, Pirtle notched his second of the game and eventual game winner with 8:51 remaining in the game.
Kings, who were outshot 33-24, were unable to beat Victoria goalie Will Baker again to force overtime. Owen Crudale made 28 saves in a losing effort.
Richard Baran and Charlie Gollob had two assists each for the Grizzlies, while Luc Pelletier, Tobia Pitka, Jacksenn Hungle, Oliver Genest and Anthony Carone recorded one helper each for the visitors.
Adam Mendelson, Christian Maro, Asher Wites and Van Houtte-Cachero were credited with assists on first period goals for the Kings, who host defending BCHL champion (Fred Page Cup) Penticton Vees tonight (September 30). Game time at Hap Parker Arena is 7 pm. Victoria's next action is Sunday, October 1, against Cowichan Valley, 2 pm at the Q Centre in Victoria.
Six-time Stanley Cup champion (five with Edmonton Oilers and one with New York Rangers) and hockey hall of famer Glenn Anderson was on hand for pregame festivities, along with Powell River mayor Ron Woznow, qathet Regional District board chair Clay Brander and Kings’ executive member Joe Mastrodonato.
Kings opened the regular season on the road in Merritt last weekend.
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