Who needs the NHL when you have local hockey?
The Terrace River Kings won 6 - 5 over the Kitimat Ice Demons at last night's opening game of the Challenge Cup, in an exciting physical back-and-forth match.
After a scoreless first period, the Kings came out swinging in the second, scoring four goals in just over two minutes. But a whack of penalties in the second and third period allowed Kitimat to come back at tie in at four in the third.
But the Kings got it back, going up 6 - 4, before Kitimat scored in the final minute.
Rajan Sangha was a standout player for the Kings, scoring two goals in the second. Patrick Leal was in net, standing up to the pressure during the majority of the penalty kills.
In the second game of the night, the Smithers Steelheads trounced the Rupert Rampage 11 - 1.
The Rampage have been without home ice to practise on leading up to the tournament.
Tonight at the Sportsplex, the Rampage try to redeem themselves against the Ice Demons at 5 p.m. with the Steelheads and the Kings facing off in the final at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.