RDC Kings Hockey win home opener

While one game doesn't define a season, it is nice to begin the new year on a winning note and the Kings did just that downing the Clippers 4-1.

The Kings started tentatively and ended up taking the first penalty just a couple of minutes into the game. Briercrest tried to capitalize on their power play opportunity but couldn't beat Mike Salmon.

The Kings started to generate more opportunities in the second half. About 8 minutes into the game Dylan Thudium set up Logan Sceviour for a quality backhand opportunity but was denied. Shortly after Education student Jordan McTaggart broke down the right side and tried to beat the Clippers goaltender Dan Dekoning on the short side but hit the post.

The Kings Head Coach Trevor Keeper was pleased with many of his players, but noted that a large number of Kings contributed tonight.

"Jordan McTaggart was one who used his speed and generated a lot of chances," said Keeper. "He was one of our unsung heroes tonight."

The forward line of Tyler Berkholtz, Riley Simpson and Dustin Gorgi had several quality shifts pinning the Clippers in their own zone. After 20 minutes of play the game remained scoreless. RDC had 11 shots on net while the Clippers directed 7 at Salmon.

The Kings came out hard in the 2nd period with Red Deer native Dustin Gorgi banging in a rebound 27 seconds into the middle frame. Tyler Berkholtz and Riley Simpson picked up the helpers. Shortly after the Kings continued to press and rang one off the post. 

Briercrest took advantage of their limited opportunities in the middle frame. Alex Bechtold had the puck on the inside of the left circle and beat Salmon on the short side. RDC quickly responded. One minute seven seconds later the Kings captured the lead again. Tyler Berkholtz beat the Clippers netminder after being set up by his line-mates Simpson and Gorgi. 

The Kings held the majority of the play in the Clippers zone throughout the period. RDC fired 18 shots at the Briercrest goal in the 2nd period while the Clippers directed 4 at Salmon. 

Red Deer College continued to control the puck in the Briercrest zone for much of the 3rd period and their persistence paid off. Five minutes fifty-six seconds into the 3rd period the Kings took a 3-1 lead when Bachelor of Arts student Nick Fountain found the back of the net. Landon Kletke picked up the assist.

The Clippers pulled their goaltender with two minutes left. Shortly after Tyler Berkholtz found the open net to halt any chance at a comeback. David Heath picked up the assist. Time wound down and the score ended 4-1 in favour of the Kings.

The Kings had 11 shots in the final frame for a game total of 40. Briercrest responded with 6 shots for a total of 17. 

While RDC had a tentative start the Kings Head Coach noted improvement as the game progressed.

"We looked nervous early," said Keeper. "After we upped our shots and scored, we started managing the puck better and relaxed."

The same two teams face each other again at the Penhold Multiplex Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m.