RDP Kings press NAIT Ooks, but fall short at home

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – A quick start along with a solid defensive performance from the NAIT Ooks made it challenging for the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Friday evening. 

The Ooks scored back-to-back goals within 20 seconds in the opening frame and skated to a 3-1 win over the Kings. 

"We didn't start off very well - a little bit tentative, gliding a little bit," said Trevor Keeper, Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Hockey Head Coach. "In the right places, but not aggressive enough defensively and we gave them a bit of momentum."

Doig (12)

NAIT's Dalton Hamaliuk redirected a rebound past Kings goaltender Arik Weersink at 8:19 of the first period. Then shortly after, Bryce Osepchuk was successful on a breakaway and put NAIT up by a pair.

Before the end of the first period, the Kings pulled within one on the power play. A loose puck found Ryley Smith, who backhanded it past Ooks goalie Westin Cardwell with 4:01 remaining in the stanza. It was Smith's fourth goal and tenth point of the season. 

Kings captain Tyler Podgorenko, who missed some games with a lower body injury, was back on the ice and assisted on Smith's marker. Mathieu Lapointe had the other helper.

After a scoreless second period, Kings forward Kyle Salaway had an opportunity to even the contest in the third frame, but his wrist shot rattled off the post.

"We were right in the game. We fought back," added Keeper. "They are good. In the offensive zone, both teams created a lot of chaos and confusion and shots on goal."

With 2:02 left in the game, NAIT's Tyler Robertson was stationed to the left of Weersink and deflected a shot from the point into the cage. Jayden Platz and Brett Trentham had the assists.

"Defensively, they were better than we were tonight and that's why it was a 3-1 game," said Keeper. 

Over 10 games, NAIT has allowed the fewest goals against per game (2.10). 

Easton Haygarth was named the North Star Sports Kings Player of the Game, displaying a strong work ethic.

E. Haygarth (14)

"The Haygarth brothers are super competitive. They don't quit," said Keeper. "They are fiery and keep using their energy no matter what the score is. They are moving their feet and checking and creating chances, and that's why they are effective."

Lloydminster's Chase Haygarth and Easton Haygarth play a key role on the Kings' penalty killing unit. Easton Haygarth has a pair of assists over nine games. Chase Haygarth sits with five points in 10 games. 

Cardwell received the top player award for the Ooks, turning aside 29 shots (0.967).

Weersink made 31 saves (0.912).

Weersink (31)

In a rematch, the third place Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (6-2-2-1) will challenge the second seed NAIT Ooks (9-1-0-0) on Saturday, February 12 at 6 pm in Edmonton.