Hunter and Kings drop Vikings by a pair

Brent Forster - RDC

Camrose, AB - The Red Deer College Kings spotted the host University of Alberta Augustana Vikings a goal Friday evening, but then Austin Hunter and the Kings took over. Hunter set up the tying goal and scored the game-winning goal, and the Kings finalized a 3-1 road victory. 

Kings goaltender Arik Weersink was sharp, making 33 saves (0.971). The only shot that eluded the second-year Business Administration General Management student came off the stick of Augustana's Owen Lamb at 16:08 of the first period. 

Arik Weersink (31)

RDC captain Scott Ferguson got his team on the board at 7:11 of the middle frame. Tyler Podgorenko and Austin Hunter set up the marker.

The teams were even until 5:35 of the third period. Lloydminster's Austin Hunter struck on the power play, pushing the Kings ahead 2-1. Chase Thudium and Carter Wolski had the assists. 

With 7:18 remaining, Mathieu Lapointe beat Vikings netminder Curtis Skip for an insurance goal. Defenceman Tyler Podgorenko picked up the lone helper, his second of the contest. 

The Vikings couldn't reduce the gap and the Kings sealed a 3-1 decision. 

Fourth-year centre Austin Hunter was selected the Kings Player-of-the-Game. Augustana's Owen Lamb received the award for the home side. 

Austin Hunter (14)

The Kings outshot the Vikings 41-34. 

Special teams played a role once again. RDC went one-for-six with the man advantage and killed off all six of Augustana's opportunities. 

In the early stages of the season, the Kings sit in second spot in the standings with five points. The NAIT Ooks (3-0-0-0) lead the way with six.

On Saturday, the RDC Kings (2-0-1-0) will host the U of A Augustana Viking (1-2-0-0) at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at 7:00 p.m.