Kings begin provincials with noble clash against Royals

Apr 4, 2019 | 9:05 AM

The JDA Kings will begin their quest for a Provincial crown this afternoon as they kick off the four-day tournament in Wetaskiwin.

It has been 12 days since the Kings were on the ice for the North West Junior Hockey League Final and as Head Coach Kyle Chapple explained, the time off was welcomed by the entire team.

“We took about 4-5 days off. I told the boys to stay away from the rink and I think it was much needed. When we got back on the ice for practice to get ready for Provincials it was like a start over and a reset for us.”

The competition at Provincials will be fierce for the Kings as they go up against league champions from around Alberta.

However, Chapple noted the clubs mindset all year hasn’t been about focusing on their opponent, it’s been worrying about their game.

“It has been a thing all year for our club is that we focus more on ourselves then our opponents. Just making sure our game is in good shape going into play each and every day. We know we are going up against some good teams. Teams who have won their league. Our job is just making sure we are ready to play.”

The Kings will open the tournament Thursday at 1:00 p.m. against the Calgary Royals Gold who were 24-3-3 in the regular season.

This afternoons game will be streamed online and can be watched by clicking here.

The NWJHL Champion Fort St.John Huskies will also be taking part in the tournament.

They will play their first game of the tournament at 4:00 p.m. against Wainwright.

by Jeromy Corrigan