RDC Kings Hockey come up short to NAIT Ooks

With a successful showing at last weekend's season-opener, the RDC Kings Hockey team hosted defending ACAC Champions, NAIT Ooks, at the Penhold Multiplex in the first game of their home and home series.

At 6:32 of the first, the Ooks' forward Kyler Kehn opened the scoring, assisted by Cameron Brezinski. Despite strong efforts by RDC goalie, Mike Salmon, the Ooks pulled ahead 2-0 with a goal by Jake Mykitiuk. Jordan Abt had the helper. The Ooks had a strong opening period, even though shots on goal were close after the first at 11-9. RDC's best chance to strike back came during a 5 on 3 powerplay, late in the first, but they weren't able to capitalize on it.

The Kings pushed back in the second period, outshooting the Ooks 17-6. During a penalty-heavy second, Ooks forward Kyler Kehn put NAIT up 3-0 during a powerplay at 7:49. Brayden Harris and Jarid Hauptman drew assists. Shortly after, the Kings finally got on the board. From the right wing circle, David Heath wristed a shot past NAIT goalie, Brendan Jensen on the powerplay. NAIT continued to parade to the penalty box, including a 5-minute major penalty for boarding by 6'3" defenceman, Tyler Yaworski.

A couple of key saves by NAIT early in the period held off RDC. NAIT's Tyler Dunkle sealed the King's fate making it 4-1 at 5:26 of the third. Trace Elson had an assist on the goal. RDC tried to rally back with a goal by Riley Simpson, but NAIT replied less than a minute later. It was Kyler Kehn, who completed his hat trick. Jake Mykytiuk added an empty netter, assisted by Luke Mahura and Jarid Hauptman, with only a minute left in the game. 

6-2 for NAIT was the final score in what was a hard-hitting and penalty-filled game.

"What I really liked about our guys is how hard they competed. They battled through a lot of adversity. It was a pretty chippy game. We just have to find a way to convert on 43 shots, and get more than 2 goals," says Trevor Keeper, RDC Kings Head Coach.

Despite tonight's loss, fans were supportive of the Kings efforts. They were also supportive of the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre, who the Kings were proud to support at tonight's game. Proceeds from the night's 50-50 draw were donated to the Sexual Assault Centre. This is one of the ways RDC's student-athletes (and their fans) are showing support for the #IBelieveYou campaign. This is a province-wide initiative that was launched recently at the College, in support of survivors of sexual assault. 

The Kings will head north tomorrow night to finish their double-header weekend in a rematch versus the Ooks at 6:00 p.m. at the NAIT Arena.

As Keeper looks forward to tomorrow's game in Edmonton, he says, "We have to be hungry enough to climb back up right away on top of the standings and don't let tonight's loss bother us. We just have to learn from what we did wrong and keep clawing our way to finish in the top two this year."