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Regals come back from three-goal deficit against VIU

Senior hockey team snaps losing streak at home
Powell River Regals

Powell River Regals bounced back from a pair of home losses to Rossland last weekend by downing Vancouver Island Mariners at Hap Parker Arena on Saturday, December 7.

The visitors came out strong and took a 3-0 first period lead before Joe Calderone started the Regals’ comeback just over two minutes before intermission. Mike Behan and Brady Casparie set up the 16-year veteran’s goal. Trevor Burnett scored with 20 seconds left in the period to cut the lead to one after 20 minutes.

Regals scored twice in the second period to tie the game, including the first of three on the night from Kyle Bodie, and a single off the stick of Tanner Wiersma.

“After a slow start, we started chipping away at their lead and in the third when the game was 4-4 our power play came alive and we managed to pull ahead for good,” said Calderone. “It was nice to get in the win column.”

The home team took control of the game in the final 20 minutes. After Jordan Kamprath gave the Regals a 5-4 lead, Bodie completed his hat-trick with two goals in two minutes and 24 seconds to make the final 7-4.

In addition to his goal, Burnett set up two others for a three-point night. Wiersma collected three helpers, Marcus Berghauser and Ryan Alexander had two, while Kamprath and Calderone assisted on one goal each.

“It was a fun night for the boys,” said Calderone. “We look forward to playing our third weekend in a row at home and to keep improving and build more momentum.”

Lucas Dupuis picked up the win in goal.

Niko Cristante did double duty for his hometown on the day, suiting up for Powell River Villa in the afternoon and for the Regals against VIU. Regals’ coach Tod English was unaware Cristante played for Villa earlier in the day.

“I haven’t heard of anything like that since Bob Bogoslowski played for both clubs in the 1980s,” said English. “Bob was always in great shape; obviously Niko is as well, to pull something like that off.”

English said Pierre Roy and Gord Hawkins used to play for the Regals and Otago Rugby Club in the 1980s, “but I don’t know if they ever did it in the same day.”

Regals continue their homestand with a game against Kelowna Sparta on Saturday, December 14. Game time is 8 pm.

The team is trying to secure ice time to play Sparta again the following day.