Kalan Anglos
Contributor
The Comox Valley Glacier Kings have been eagerly awaiting this. More specifically, head coach Jordan Butcher has been champing at the bit for his first playoff action in his inaugural season as head of the herd. What emotions were running through the young, soft-spoken coach?
“Excited,” said Butcher of his first post-season action Tuesday night before hometown fans at the Comox Valley Sports Centre. “You wouldn’t believe how excited. We’re ready for this.”
When a head coach exudes such poise, excitement and confidence, it is hoped the team will follow suit. In the case of the Glacier Kings, they followed their perennial leader and skated to a 7-3 win.
Playing hockey that was reminiscent of their early season dominance, the Yetis’ came out guns ablaze in a full on attack for game one of their best-of-seven first round Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League series with the Kerry Park Islanders.
Jake Newman opened the scoring for the visitors on the power play, but the Kings took over from there. Jackson Garrett carried over his regular season success against the Islanders and tallied twice in the opening frame, and Brian Rideout added another to make it 3-1.
In the second, Mitch Ball netted a nifty goal in a period dominated by Cameron Large, who made 30 saves in the first two periods. In the third, Newman scored his second of the game before Rylan Ball, Lee Orpen and Adam Robertson lit the lamp to put the Isles away. Newman completed his hat trick late in the frame.
Some might remember when Butcher was a spry youngster playing for the Icemen. Do those days of old help the head coach prepare for the playoffs now as a coach? “Well, those who can’t do, coach," he quipped.
Butcher and company were in Kerry Park last night for game two, with result unavailable at press time. The Yetis host game three tomorrow night at the Sports Centre. The puck drops at 7:30 and the game can be heard at www.glacierkings.ca.