The Terrace River Kings extended their league-leading record with a 6-4 victory over the Kitimat Ice Demons at Tamitik Arena on Jan. 11. The win solidifies Terrace’s position at the top of the Central Interior Hockey League standings, while Kitimat remains second-to-last ahead of the Nechako Northstars.
The opening period ended in a 1-1 draw. Kitimat struck first with a powerplay goal from Joshua Slanina, capitalizing on an early Terrace penalty. Mason Richey responded for Terrace, finding the back of the net late in the frame to even the score.
Terrace pulled ahead in the second period, outscoring Kitimat 3-2. Colten Braid led the charge with two powerplay goals at 5:35 and 7:37. Connor Onstein added another goal for Terrace at 13:13. Meanwhile, Kitimat’s Terry Whelan scored at 9:31, and Tayden Fowler-McNab found the back of the net at 13:27, keeping the home team within striking distance.
The third period started with a decisive blow, as Marcus Mitchell scored just 23 seconds in, extending Terrace’s lead. Kitimat responded with a powerplay goal from Whelan midway through the period, narrowing the gap to one goal. However, Jackson Mulder put the game out of reach with a late goal for Terrace, sealing the 6-4 victory.
Terrace remains atop the league standings with 28 points from 15 games, boasting an impressive 14-1 record. The Quesnel Kangaroos follow closely in second place with 25 points from 14 games, while the Williams Lake Stampeders sit in third with 20 points from 13 games. Kitimat, with five points from 16 games, is seventh, ahead of Nechako, which has two points.