Griffins edge Kings in Penhold

Brent Forster - RDC

Saturday, the RDC Hockey Kings hosted the MacEwan University Griffins, and after the Griffins got up by a pair the Kings tried to rally but dropped a 2-1 decision at the Penhold Multiplex.

Troy Trombley earned his second start of the weekend series while Christopher Wray was in net for MacEwan University.

At 15:23 of the first period, Tyler Mrkonjic struck on the power play to give the Griffins a 1-0 lead. RDC tested Wray 9 times while MacEwan University had 10 shots on Trombley in the opening period.

Tyler Morrison extended MacEwan University's margin to 2-0 at 2:08 of the second period. A little over 4 minutes later, Tyler Podgorenko pulled the Kings within a goal at 6:28. Chase Thudium, a first-year forward from Sylvan Lake, picked up the lone helper. The RDC Kings had the advantage on the shot clock (15-13) in the middle frame. 

In the third period, the Kings pressed to score the tying goal. Kings Hockey Head Coach Trevor Keeper pulled Trombley with 1:25 remaining in the game for the extra attacker but the Kings couldn't beat Wray. The Griffins picked up a 2-1 road win. The RDC Kings fired 13 shots on the Griffins goaltender in the final 20 minutes. Trombley turned aside 6 shots in the third period. Over three periods, the Kings outshot the Griffins 37-29. Trombley had another strong game for the Kings and stopped 27 out of 29 shots (0.931).

The second place RDC Kings (15-6-1-0) will play the fourth place SAIT Trojans (12-6-1-1) Friday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. in Calgary.