The Terrace River Kings took off with a rough start this season, but coaches say their game is strong, they just need land more shots and execute on power plays.
“The attitude is still really good in the dressing room. The guys are positive, because we are playing a good hockey, we just aren’t getting the breaks right now,” said head coach Kevin Legros.
After a 4-2 loss to the Rampage at home Oct. 8, the River Kings will have a rematch in Prince Rupert this weekend, Oct. 15.
Legros said in the game here in Terrace Oct. 8, the River Kings didn’t execute their game plan.
The rookies really stepped up that game and Luke Walker played with impressive force, landing both goals for the River Kings.
“He is a very skilled player,” said Legros. “That was his first game (in the CIHL) and he is going to be a great addition to our team.”
Legros was pleased with the effort and game from all the young players who stepped up to fill the gaps on the roster during that thanksgiving weekend.
“We have a great team. We are working hard and doing some good things,” he said.
With a prior loss to Smithers, the River Kings faced the Rampage last weekend in their first home game Oct. 8.
The Rampage came out hard in the first played, and though they outplayed the team to start, the River Kings held them off and the first period ended with no goals.
“We were outshot in the first period by Prince Rupert, and outplayed, but Patty kept us in the game with some key saves,” said Legros of the first period and goaltending by Patrick Leal.
The River Kings claimed the lead early in the second period, with a three pass play from Tristan Murray to Steve Cullis and then to Luke Walker who buried it in the net.
Unfortunately, just two minutes later, the Rampage answered back with a power play goal, evening up the score at 1-1.
Players fought a tough battle for the rest of the period, concluding with a Rampage goal by Fournier to put the River Kings down one at 1-2.
That goal marked the start of a Prince Rupert rampage, which they continued into the third period, scored two goals in the first five minutes and securing a 4-1 lead.
The River Kings didn’t give up and Walker landed a second goal halfway through the third, but the game concluded with a 2-4 loss for the River Kings.
Legros said the team is focused on executing their power plays.
“We had ten minutes of power play time and didn’t score any goals, so we really have to work on that,” said Legros.
The team suits up for their rematch against Prince Rupert in their arena this Saturday. After that they will have a three week break before a five-game stint at home starting Sunday, Nov. 6.