The wait is over for the Powell River Kings, who start their playoffs Friday night at home versus the Surrey Eagles.
The two teams met 12 times during the regular season, with the Kings taking home eight wins and two overtime losses.
Powell River has had a two week break from game play. The team earned themselves the top spot in their playoff division and a bye into the second round of playoffs.
“It's been great for us, it's something that we worked toward all season,” says Kings centreman Mark McKamey. “We're itching to play again and get that hunger back, getting back that winning feeling.”
“This is a focused group,” Kings head coach Kent Lewis said. “They know the chemistry they have and that they'll go to bat for each other. They're mentally and physically ready.”
“One of Powell River's strengths is depth, especially through the forward group,” says Kings broadcaster Dean Merrick. “That will bode well for them.”
Powell River's roster holds four of the top 10 scorers in the league, Darcy Oakes, Kyle Bodie, Erik Vos, and Clay Harvey.
“I think both clubs think the other team's weakness is defence,” Merrick added.
“Powell River doesn't have a lot of weaknesses,” says Eagles broadcaster Colin Tiggelaar. “But they're not real big on the back end.”
“Their defence are mobile, but not really big,” he added. “The Eagles will have to pound a little on the forecheck.”
“Surrey will probably try to get in the head of Carsen Chubak,” says Tiggelaar.
Chubak, the Kings goaltender, had a save percentage of 90.66 and goals against average of 1.90 during the regular season.
“One of the things that the Eagles have going for them right now is they're playing as a team. On the ice they’re a five-man unit,” says Tiggelaar.
“I think that Powell River is going to keep using their team speed and try not to get caught up with extracurricular activities,” he said. “They'll be trying to draw penalties, and if they do, the series won't last very long. Their power play was around 44 per cent against us during the regular season.”
The Eagles are coming into the series after two straight overtime wins, beating out Langley in the playoffs' elimination round.
“The Eagles have some momentum and might catch Powell River not fully game ready after their break,” said Tiggelaar. “It would be great if the Eagles can split games in Powell River and get back on home ice where they've played very well.”
