NKEC leading VHSHL

By Justin Halbersma

Allowing only three goals in two games should be a recipe for success for any hockey team.

Unfortunately for the Central Kings Gators, allowing only three goals in two games resulted in a split record: a win and a tie.

The Gators and Avon View Avalanche took to the ice in Berwick January 11. It wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t spectacular, but it was a win, and the Gators were grateful for their first home win of the season over the Avalanche 4-2.

The Gators allowed over 40 shots in the game, but their defense kept the shots to the outside for the most part, giving goalie Charles Grant the opportunity to seal the win. C.K. fired 38 shots at the Avon View net, with the Avalanche allowing too many quality chances.

Mitchell Stevens, Brandon Patterson, Andrew Fraser and Zack Morse all scored for C.K. Charles Grant turned aside 47 shots for the victory.

Greg Burgess and Jake Galbraith replied for Avon View.

The next night, the Horton Griffins prepared to host the Gators in Kentville. Buoyed by their 7-3 victory over Bridgetown, the Griffins were ready for the Gators, walking away with a 1-0 victory.

The two teams played an even game through the first two periods. Horton held a slim 1-0 lead after 40 minutes before they went to work, taking their game to another level and dominating the Gators through the final period. Despite the flurry of frozen rubber, C.K. netminder Grant held his ground. Central Kings was unable to muster many scoring chances, and the ones they did have were turned aside by Horton netminder Jason Boutilier. Boutilier’s most difficult stop was a glove stop on Zack Morse in the third.

Jake Elliott scored the only goal of the game for Horton.

Around the league

In other VHSHL action, NKEC defeated West Kings 8-1, Bridgetown fell to Horton 7-3, and NKEC defeated Avon View 6-2.

This weekend, the Gators and West Kings Wolverines renew the rivalry in Kingston Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Avon View travels to Canning to take on the Titans at 8 p.m. Saturday, West Kings takes on Avon View in Windsor at 6:45 p.m. and Horton travels to Middleton to take the Blues at 7:30 p.m.

In girls’ play, Avon View travels to Canning to play NKEC at 6:45 p.m. January 18. Horton travels to Bridgewater January 20 to meet Park View at 6:45 p.m.

Standings

Team Points

NKEC Titans 24

Middleton Blues 20

Bridgetown Trojans 18

Horton Griffins 15

Avon View Avalanche 13

Central Kings Gators 9

West Kings Wolverines 4