In Edmonton, Kings work hard but drop game to Griffins

In the 2nd half of the home-and-home series, the Red Deer College Kings Hockey team traveled to Edmonton to face the MacEwan University Griffins Saturday evening. Troy Trombley got the start in the Kings net while Christopher Wray was in goal for the Griffins.

At 1:19 of the 1st period, Ryan Benn scored to put the Griffins up 1-0. Redford Swan added to MacEwan's lead at 18:32. On the power play at 19:47, Tyler Morrison gave the Griffins a 3-0 lead. 

The Griffins outshot the Kings 12-10 in the opening period.

Ryan Benn scored his 2nd goal of the game at 1:42 of the middle period to put MacEwan up 4-0. On the power play at 4:31, Bryan Arneson gave the Griffins a 5-0 lead. Tyler Berkholtz responded for the RDC Kings at 7:35. Dylan Thudium and Blair Mulder picked up the assists.

RDC outshot MacEwan University 17-13 in the 2nd period.

The Kings applied a lot of pressure in the 3rd period but Wray was sharp and turned aside all 18 shots. Trombley made 11 saves in the 3rd. Overall, the Kings outshot the Griffins 45-36. MacEwan University picked up a 5-1 home win.

The RDC Kings worked hard but Head Coach Trevor Keeper noted that 1 difference in the game was the special teams. The Griffins' power play went 2-for-5 while the Kings were 0-for-5 with the man advantage.

"We had a good effort tonight and especially a strong 3rd period," said Keeper. "Their goaltender played very well and special teams were 1 difference in the game."

Keeper credited the defence and noted several strong efforts.

"All of our defencemen played well. We lost Mike Statchuk during the game due to injury so we were down to 5 D," said Keeper. "The Riley Simpson line led the way for us. Dylan Baer and Jordan McTaggart also had strong games. They used their speed well and were effective on the forecheck."

The Kings hang onto 5th place in ACAC Men's Hockey with 19 points. Only 6 regular season games remain and the top 6 men's teams qualify for the playoffs.

Friday, Feb. 10 at the Penhold Multiplex, the RDC Kings host the Portage College Voyageurs at 7:00 p.m.