The Terrace River Kings enjoyed a winning start to their Central Interior Hockey League (CIHL) season, beating the Kitimat Ice Demons 5-2 in their home opener Saturday night.

Kitimat scored early, but Terrace was able to draw level with the visitors and finish the first period tied at one. Terrace netted three goals in the second frame to put the game out of reach for the Ice Demons. Both teams found the net once in the third.

The River Kings’ five unanswered goals came from five different scorers. Connor Beauchemin, Rob Orrey, Ryan Roseboom, Chapen Leblond and Kylar Braid found the net for the hosts.

Ryan Roseboom was the only player to collect multiple points in the game with a goal and an assist.

Both teams struggled with the man advantage, each going 0-9 on the power play. Terrace’s Rob Orrey and Kitimat’s Kyle Boudreault each received fighting majors in the third period.

River Kings goalie Tyran Hunter picked up the win in front of a near-capacity crowd of 365 people. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the maximum occupancy of the Sportsplex is 383 spectators.

With the loss, Kitimat falls to 1-1 on the season. They will play their first home game on Oct. 31 against league newcomers Nechako Northstars (1-1).

Terrace will play their next two games at home against the Williams Lake Stampeders (0-1) on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. and the Quesnel Kangaroos (2-0) at the Terrace Sportsplex Oct. 31 at 2 p.m.

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