Thunder over Kings in Edmonton

In a weekend rematch, the Red Deer College Kings Hockey team faced the Concordia University Thunder in Edmonton. The game was scoreless until the third period, when the Thunder scored twice for the 2-0 home win.

With the Ice Plant down in Edmonton during the day, the game started later and created some issues on the ice. Mike Salmon started in net for the Kings while Tanner McCorriston played goal for the Thunder. 

Both goaltenders were perfect throughout the first 20 minutes. Salmon stopped all 7 shots he faced while McCorriston turned aside 13 shots from the Kings. 

Nothing changed in the second period and neither team could score after 2 periods of play. The RDC Kings had 12 shots on goal while the Thunder responded with 9.

Nick Tupper scored to put the Thunder up 1-0 at 3:16 in the third period. Concordia University's Ian McLellan found the back of the net at 8:00 to increase the Thunder's lead. The Kings pulled Salmon with 1:03 remaining but couldn't score and time wound down. The Kings had 5 shots in the final period while the Thunder directed 13 shots at Salmon.

Throughout the game, Mike Salmon stopped 27-of-29 shots.

Kings Head Coach Trevor Keeper thought his team played alright.

"We played decent tonight," said Keeper. "There was adversity to deal with starting later and having the Ice Plant down. We had a lot of shots but had trouble scoring tonight. Their goaltender played well and perhaps some frustration set in."

One Kings rookie got his opportunity to hit the ice for the first time.

"We had a couple of injuries and Dustin Spearing played in his first ACAC game on a line with Connor Patchett and Scott Ferguson," said Keeper. 

Despite the loss there were several positive aspects to the Kings game.

"Our captain Riley Simpson had a good game," said Keeper. "All 6 of our defencemen were good and Mike Salmon made some nice saves, especially late."

Next weekend, the Kings head to Saskatchewan to face the Briercrest College Clippers. Friday, Nov. 25 the two teams face off at 7:00 p.m. In an afternoon tilt, the Kings and Clippers play at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.