Thunder shade Kings at Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

Brent Forster - RDC

Red Deer, AB – The Red Deer College Kings carried a lot of the play over the visiting Concordia University Thunder, but weren't consistently rewarded in the goal department. The home team nearly doubled Concordia's shots, but the visitors played a sound defensive game and edged the Kings 3-2 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. 

The Thunder hit the scoresheet 36 seconds into the rematch. While in the slot, Rory Davidson redirected a pass behind Arik Weersink for the quick tally.

"We started a little bit sluggish in the first period and kind of gave them a chance to get some confidence right off the bat," said Kings Associate Coach Cody Reynolds. "Once we got that first 20 out of the way, I thought we responded really well and generated a lot of really good opportunities."

Forward Mathieu Lapointe scored the game-winning goal on Friday and started things off for the Kings Saturday evening. Just past the mid-way point of the period, the Mechanical Engineering Technician student won a battle in the corner, carried the puck out front and beat Thunder goaltender Tanner McCorriston over the glove, tying the game 1-1.

After a scoreless middle stanza, Concordia University captured a lead 3:19 into the third period. Tyler Benko won an offensive draw back to Scott Allan who was stationed at the top of the circle. The six-foot-seven defenceman quickly snapped it over Weersink's glove for a 2-1 edge.

It didn't take long for the home team to knot it up. Just over a minute later, Ryley Smith scored on the power play. In similar fashion to Lapointe's marker, the second-year right winger from Huxley fired a quick shot over McCorriston's glove, drawing the Kings even. It was Smith's fifth goal and tenth point of the season. Mathieu Lapointe and Chance Longjohn had the assists. 

"That whole line has been very good this weekend. They practiced hard all week and have really good chemistry right now," explained Reynolds. "Matty (Mathieu Lapointe) is leading that charge along with LJ (Chance Longjohn) and Smitty (Ryley Smith). They're playing really well right now and they're getting more ice that they're earning every night."

After the Kings couldn't convert a two-on-one opportunity late in the third period, the Thunder countered. With 4:41 remaining, Brandon Wallis picked up a loose puck near the crease and shelved it for the go-ahead goal.

Just over a minute left, Weersink was pulled for the extra attacker but McCorriston and the Thunder shut the door. Concordia picked up a 3-2 road win.

"That team played really well. They gave us everything they had. Once we kind of got going, we had trouble scoring tonight," explained Reynolds. "That was the biggest thing in the second and third period. We had most of the puck possession and carried the play for the most part."

Weersink made 13 saves.

McCorriston turned aside 26 shots.

The Kings struck once on six power plays. The Thunder went zero-for-five.

Mathieu Lapointe was selected the Collegiate Sports Medicine Kings Player-of-the-Game. Brandon Wallis received the honour for the Thunder.

"I'm really happy to see Lapointe get rewarded for some of his hard work and see that line doing really well," said Reynolds.

That persistent trio collectively recorded four points.

Austin Hunter (14)

A familiar face in Mike Statchuk has been a recent addition to the blue line as the Kings round out the regular season and make a run for the championship.

"He's been great. He adds a veteran presence and knows the league. He knows what to say in the room and there's a lot of value in that," said Reynolds. "He plays the game the right way. He puts his heart on his sleeve and he comes and does his job, and the effort is there every night. He's been a really good addition for us in the second half."

Next, the second place Red Deer College Kings (15-5-2-0) will entertain the Portage College Voyageurs (0-21-1-0) twice. On Friday, Feb. 14, the two teams will hit the ice at 7:00 pm at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Then on Saturday the Kings and Voyageurs will face-off at 1:00 pm.

Concordia University (8-11-1-2) will play the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings (9-13-0-0) on Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 pm in Camrose.