C.K. not making early hockey headway

BY JUSTIN HALBERSMA

The Central Kings Gators and the NKEC Titans clashed for the first time in this 2007/ 2008 Valley High School Hockey League season Nov. 23.

Central Kings, sitting in last place in the standings, needed a win. NKEC made sure it didn’t happen, sending the Gators to their fifth straight loss with a 7-1 victory.

There was a frightening moment before the game even started. C.K. goaltender Mitch Woodworth was struck by a puck near the throat during the warm-up skate and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. Woodworth escaped serious injury and was released from hospital.

NKEC dominated the first two periods, outshooting the Gators 47-18 after 40 minutes. They jumped out to a 3-0 before the halfway mark of the first period and never looked back. C.K. netminder Charles Grant turned in another stellar performance, making 45 saves overall as C.K. was outshot 52-26.

Kris Bigelow scored four times to lead the Titans. Jordan Tibbetts scored once, as did Xavier Foley and Reggie Rand. Logan Van Blarcom added five assists. Brandon Whitney turned aside 25 shots in the victory for his team.

Laurent Jacquard scored in reply for Central Kings.

In other action, Horton dumped West Kings 10-0. Middleton continued their winning ways, winning both their games over the weekend, 2-1 over Bridgetown and 5-4 over Avon View.

Coming up

This weekend, Bridgetown travels to Canning to take on the NKEC Titans Friday night at 8 p.m.

Central Kings hosts its invitational tournament November 29 through December 2. C.K.’s first game is against West Kings at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29.

Standings

Team Points

Middleton Blues 14

Horton Griffins 9

Bridgetown Trojans 8

Avon View Avalanche 8

NKEC Titans 6

West Kings Wolverines 4

Central Kings Gators 2