RDP Kings and U of A Augustana Vikings split weekend series

Red Deer, AB – In another close game between the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and University of Alberta Augustana Vikings, only one goal separated the squads.

The Vikings used the momentum from a three goal first period to down the Kings 4-3 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. 

After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Hayden Clayton put the Kings up 1-0 at 8:44 of the middle frame. 

Then the Vikings started to click offensively, rattling off three consecutive markers within a four minute span to jump ahead 3-1. Jarod Hovde, Jake Gudjonson and Zack Cox were able to beat Kings netminder Kristian Lyon. 

Very quickly into the final stanza, Tucker Scantlebury beat Vikings netminder Daniel Moody to pull the Kings within one. 

On the power play, Jarod Hovde picked up his second goal of the evening, restoring the visitor's two goal cushion. 

Then with just over three minutes remaining in the contest, Mathieu Lapointe brought the Kings back within one. The Kings pressed but couldn't score the equalizer. 

Hayden Clayton was recognized as the North Star Sports Kings Player of the Game. 

Vikings Player of the Game Jarod Hovde recorded a pair of goals and an assist. 

RDP outshot Augustana 39-37.

The Kings went zero-for-four on the power play. The Vikings connected once on three attempts. 

On Friday, March 4, the third place Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (9-4-2-1) host the sixth seed Briercrest College Clippers (3-12-1-0) in game one of the best-of-three quarter-final series. The U of A Augustana Vikings (6-7-3-0) will challenge the SAIT Trojans (8-6-1-1) in their best-of-three quarter-final series.