WEEK IN REVIEW
It was another win and loss split for the Glacier Kings last week, dropping their contest Saturday night at home 4-2 against the Lake Cowichan Kraken, before bouncing back Wednesday with a 5-3 win in Westshore.
Saturday’s home loss to the Kraken was a key loss, with the Kraken and the Glacier Kings fighting for playoff positioning with each other.
The Glacier Kings held a 2-0 lead entering the third period, but four unanswered Kraken goals rallied them to a victory.
Head Coach Curtis Toneff said he thinks the group lost their mental focus throughout the game.
“I thought our group got arrogant and cocky as a team and got loose and lost focus and it ended up costing the hockey game and it’s definitely something we can learn from.”
They were able to bounce back, however, in a rare Wednesday night game down in Westshore defeating the Wolves 5-3.
Toneff said it was a good response from his team in beating a solid Westshore club who’s already locked up a playoff spot.
“It almost makes up a tiny bit for Saturday night, but we got a lot of hard work in front of us to stay and get where we need to be.”
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1 7:45 P.M. VS CAMPBELL RIVER STORM
The Glacier Kings kick this week’s schedule off with a home matchup against the first place in the North Division Campbell River Storm.
The two sides last met on January 17 in Campbell River, with the Storm coming away with a 5-3 victory.
Toneff said they are a highly skilled team with a good forecheck, and they will have to not allow them to get quality looks in the slot.
“Taking hits and keeping the puck in low danger areas on their forecheck is important and I think our defense’s gaps and our backtracking is crucial if we want to be successful against that club.”
The Storm will play Friday night at home against Lake Cowichan, who are now tied with the Glacier Kings in the standings with one more game played for third place in the North.
Campbell River is looking to grow their lead for first in the North over Port Alberni, who sit seven points behind the storm.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5 7:00 P.M. VS WESTSHORE WOLVES
The Glacier Kings will play the Wolves once again this coming Wednesday in the two sides final meeting of the season.
The Wolves hold a 2-1 lead in the season series, having wins over the Glacier Kings in September and October.
Toneff anticipates a strong response from the Wolves and is hoping his team can string some wins together to strengthen their lead over Nanaimo in the standings.
“They’re going to be ready to go, I don’t think they were too impressed with their effort Wednesday night dropping that one at home.”
Heading into the final month of the regular season it remains a three-team battle for two playoff spots in the North Division.
The Glacier Kings and Kraken sit tied with 37 points entering Friday night’s action with 40 and 41 games played respectively, while Nanaimo sits just behind with 34 points in 39 games played.
