Special teams help Kings defeat Voyageurs

Brent Forster - RDC, with information from Portage College Athletics

Lac La Biche, AB - The Red Deer College Kings used their prowess on special teams and had 11 players hit the scoresheet, downing the Portage College Voyageurs 8-3 at the Bold Centre in Lac La Biche. 

The Kings capitalized on both of their power play opportunities. They also killed off all four penalties, including a lengthy five-on-three disadvantage.

Ross Heidt, who played some of his minor hockey in Lac La Biche, struck twice while shorthanded and was named the Kings Player-of-the-Game.

Ross Heidt (60)

Ross Heidt started the scoring and was followed up by Chance Longjohn minutes later. The Voyageurs drew even before the end of the frame.

"They're a veteran team that is really well coached," said Voyageurs Head Coach Nate Bedford. "They definitely deserved to win."

Scott Ferguson, Kyle Salaway and Ryley Smith gave the Kings a three goal cushion (5-2) after 40 minutes.

Ross Heidt, Scott Ferguson and Chase Thudium tallied in the third. The Voyageurs added one late and the Kings wrapped up an impressive 8-3 road win.

"Our first half was really good," said Bedford. "We were even halfway through with them, but there was no panic on the other side. The Kings played really well and we couldn't keep up with their speed."

Kaleb Bell was named Portage College's top player.

The RDC Kings outshot the Voyageurs 38-25. Kings goaltender Nathan Alalouf made 22 saves in the win.

RDC's Tyler Podgorenko, Chase Thudium, Chance Longjohn, Scott Ferguson and Ross Heidt contributed three points each.

Tyler Podgorenko (3)

The second place Kings improve to 7-1-1-0 on the season and trail the NAIT Ooks (8-1-0-0) by only one point.

On Saturday in Lac La Biche, the two teams will battle in a rematch at 1:00 p.m.