Terrace’s unbeaten streak was finally snapped in the penultimate game of the Central Hockey League (CIHL) season, as the shorthanded River Kings fell to Quesnel and Williams Lake before the playoffs starting this weekend.

On February 11, Terrace was bombarded with four first-period goals at Quesnel, losing to the Kangaroos 6-3. The River Kings dressed 12 skaters for the game and, despite two goals from Colin Bell, failed to return.

The visitors had only 10 skaters available for the Feb. 12 game against the Stampeders at Williams Lake, but managed to take a 3-1 lead in the first period. However, the small bench couldn’t keep the Stampeders at bay for long. Williams Lake scored two goals in the second and three goals in the third to end the game at 5-3.

Prior to the loss, the River Kings had won all but one game of the season – a tie with rival Prince Rupert Rampage. Despite losing an undefeated season, Terrace is in good shape for the CIHL playoffs. The team reached first place in the standings and an 11-2-1 record, scoring 74 goals and allowing only 38.

The River Kings will now turn their attention to a first round playoff game with the Hazelton Wolverines. The best-of-three series kicks off at the Upper Skeena Recreation Center in Hazelton on Feb. 18, with Game 2 in Terrace on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Terrace Sportsplex. If necessary, the third game will take place on February 20 in Terrace.

Terrace has scored at will against the Wolverines this season, beating them 8-2, 9-2 and 9-6 in all three meetings between the teams. The Wolverines finished in last place with a 4-9 record.

CIHLTerrasse River Kings