Kings take game one over Thunder in ACAC finals

Red Deer, AB - The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Kings' special teams played a role in game one of the best-of-five final.

The RDP Kings scored three power play goals and one shorthanded, defeating the Concordia University Thunder 6-3.

The Kings had a quick start, opening the scoring at 1:05 of the first period.

From the right circle, Kings forward Ryland McNinch snapped it behind Concordia's goaltender Ashton Billesberger on the stick side.

Concordia's Dallon Wilton evened the contest nearly 10 minutes later. The six-foot-three forward roofed the puck over Kings goaltender Arik Weersink's shoulder on the short side.

The RDP Kings began the middle frame with four consecutive goals.

While shorthanded, Kings fifth-year forward Jacob Wozney was sent in alone on Billesberger and found space on the blocker side. Four minutes later, Nolan Doell put the home team up 3-1 with a power play marker.

At 13:00, RDP's Sean Michalevich scored on a breakaway, tucking the puck between Billesberger's pads.

Less than two minutes later, the Kings power play struck again when Jaxon Steele found the back of the net, putting the Polytechnic ahead 5-1.

Before the end of the period, Concordia reduced the gap to 5-3 with a wrap around goal from Zachery Carlson and tally from Brandon Wallis.

With Billesberger pulled for the extra skater, RDP's Liam Stalwick hit the empty net with 38 seconds remaining. It was the Kings' third power play marker of the game.

Michalevich was named the North Star Sports Kings Player of the Game.

Wallis received the award for the Thunder.

The Kings went three-for-five on the power play. The Thunder couldn't convert on three opportunities with the extra skater. 

Weersink made 25 saves. Billesberger turned aside 31 shots. 

The RDP Kings will challenge the Concordia University Thunder on the road in game two on Saturday, March 16 at 7 pm.