Berkholtz scores a pair, but Vikings edge Kings in Camrose

Brent Forster - RDC

In their first meeting of the season on Friday, momentum shifted several times between the University of Alberta (Augustana) Vikings and the Red Deer College Kings. The Kings weren't happy with their effort overall and on Saturday evening in Camrose, they were looking for consistency in the latter part of a home-and-home series. The Kings worked hard over 3 periods but weren't always rewarded on the scoreboard. After the Augustana Vikings scored a pair of goals, the Kings tried to pull even, but the Vikings eventually picked up a 3-2 home win. Troy Trombley got the start for the Kings in net while Curtis Skip was the opposing goalie.

After the Augustana Vikings opened the scoring, Brett Ponich scored on the power play at 15:21 of the second period to extend Augustana's lead to 2-0. The Kings outshot the Vikings 27-20 over 40 minutes. 

As time was winding down in the third period, Tyler Berkholtz reduced the Vikings' lead 2-1. Trevor Keeper pulled Trombley but Mitch McMullen scored into the empty net to give Augustana a 3-1 lead. The Kings tried to battle back and Tyler Berkholtz found the back of the net with seconds remaining to bring the score to 3-2, but the Kings couldn't score the equalizer. Over 60 minutes, the Kings outshot the Vikings by 17. 

Kings Hockey Head Coach Trevor Keeper liked the effort. "The guys played really hard tonight. We outshot them 47-30 and dominated in many of the statistics, including face-offs," said Keeper. "We played 3 solid periods tonight and had a great start. We couldn't have asked anymore from the guys."

Tyler Berkholtz was named the Kings player-of-the-game. Curtis Skip received the honour for the Vikings for the second night in a row.

The RDC Kings will face the Briercrest College Clippers on Friday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. in Saskatchewan.