On Friday, the Powell River Kings proved that they had the offensive punch to do some damage when they scored nine goals in their home opener against Alberni Valley. On Saturday, they showed that they're a squad just as capable of triumphing in a defensive battle, topping the Victoria Grizzlies by a 1-0 margin.
Through two periods, the Kings boasted a 23-18 advantage in shots on goal but were deadlocked in a scoreless tie. But recent Powel River pick-up Mitch Labreche put his team ahead 41 seconds into the third period and the home squad held on to improve their record to 2-0.
Kings netminder Michael Garteig and Victoria counterpart Richard Virtanen stole the show Saturday, stopping a combined 60 of 61 shots. Garteig posted a shutout in just his second game with his new team and was named the game's first star.
Victoria continues its season-opening three-game road trip with a visit to Alberni Valley on Friday while Powell River embarks on their own three-game swing, beginning Friday evening in Langley.
Surrey 3 @ Langley 6
Chiefs captain Mac Roy ensured that his team's first regular season game at the Langley Events Centre was a success, scoring once and adding two assists in a first-star performance.
Langley overcame a trio of Eagles' power-play goals, breaking the game open early in the third period after back-to-back tallies from Roy and Joe Walter staked the club to a 5-2 lead. Surrey forward Neil Blunden drew his team back within a pair but a late man-advantage failed to draw the Eagles closer.
Chris Santiago, Andrew Wallace and Blunden accounted for the Surrey offence, while Colton Beck assisted on three Langley markers.
The Chiefs an Eagles are both back in action next Friday, with Surrey hosting the Burnaby Express while Langley entertains unbeaten Powell River.
Nanaimo 6 @ Cowichan Valley 0
Cody Bremner continued his early season goal-scoring surge, potting a pair in Nanaimo's shutout win at Cowichan Valley. Bremner, Tristan Lowenberger and Kyle Kramer all scored first period markers for the Clippers, who allowed just 19 shots on the night and kept pouring on the offence.
Lowenberger, John Stimson and Joe Perry all matched Bremner with multi-point efforts, while Loic Boivin posted a shutout in his first BCHL game.
The Capitals mustered little offence in dropping their second game on home ice to open the season, but made a point physically in what developed into a chippy battle between division rivals.
Cowichan Valley won't have to wait long to try to avenge Saturday's defeat, as they will travel to Nanaimo for a return engagement against the Clippers next Friday.
