Out of the basement

By Justin Halbersma

The previously dormant Central Kings Gators hockey team came to life in a big way this past weekend, devouring West Kings 8-2 and edging NKEC 2-1. It was a surge that lifted the Gators out of last place in the Valley High School Hockey League.

C.K. took to the ice Dec. 7 in Kingston with something to prove. West Kings had taken the two previous games from the Gators this season, but C.K. took the play to the Wolverines from the opening face-off, dominating the game and demoralizing a West Kings squad. While West Kings may have outshot the Gators 31-30, it was the Gators’ sharpshooters that took over the game.

Andrew Fraser and Brennan Aalders each scored twice for the Gators. Luke Lewis, Brandon Patterson, Kevin Robinson and Chris Alguire added singles. Goalie Charles Grant picked up the win for C.K..

Patrick Samms and Scotty Milligan replied for West Kings.

Buoyed, the Gators prepared for a game against the NKEC Titans in Kentville Dec. 9. Having been soundly defeated by NKEC earlier in the season 7-1, Central Kings was determined to make amends. The result? A 2-1 win over the Titans.

NKEC began a 49-shot barrage on the C.K. net, but they ran into a wall in C.K. netminder Mitch Woodworth, who finished the game with 48 saves, propelling the Gators to their second straight win.

Zack Morse and Chris Alguire scored for the Gators. Reggie Rand replied for NKEC.

It appears as though the Gators are prepared to make their poor start a distant memory. After struggling in the beginning of the season, C.K. put on a strong showing in the Gator Classic tournament and carried strong play into league games this past weekend. How far that momentum will take them will be seen when they meet NKEC December 14 in Berwick.

Around the league

In other VHSHL action this past weekend, Bridgetown defeated Avon View by a score of 5-2 and Middleton dropped a 6-2 decision to NKEC.

This week

West Kings prepares to host Middleton December 14 at 7:30 p.m. NKEC travels to Berwick to take CK at 8:15 p.m. Horton travels to Bridgetown to take on the Trojans.

December 15, Avon View and Horton square off in Kentville at 7:30 p.m. Bridgetown travels to Middleton for a 7:30 p.m. game against the Blues.

Middleton and Horton face off in Kentville at 1 p.m. Dec. 16.

Standings

Team Points

Middleton Blues 14

NKEC Titans 12

Bridgetown Trojans 10

Horton Griffins 9

Avon View Avalanche 8

Central Kings Gators 6

West Kings Wolverines 4