Overage forward Jake Poole played his final regular season Major Junior hockey game in his former barn in Kelowna on Sunday.
Poole scored a goal, and his Royals took the game 5-1.
“It was really emotional game, that’s for sure…more meaningful for myself.” said Poole, as the Royals wrapped up their season series with the Rockets, winning their last 6 encounters.
Back up netminder Nicholas Crisitano who also previously played for Kelowna, was given a brief stint in net at the end of the third.
“All the guys played super well and they knew what it meant for a lot of guys in that room, especially for me and Cristiano, obviously being former players – they took it took it up a notch and it was awesome to see.”
Poole was acquired by Victoria from Kelowna back in early October, as it appeared they didn’t see him in their plans. That sparked him to a career season in Victoria, leading them in scoring with 51 points, including 25 goals.
Poole has also taken it to his former club after 8 meetings scoring 4 goals and added 8 assists for 12 points.
“It was a little sad after the game. Obviously the last time I’ll ever get to play here…So it was obviously kind of emotional for me, but it was nice to get that win, and end it off on a nice note.”
What was more impressive was the clubs resiliency playing their 3rd game in less than 3 nights, while traveling over 5 hours after Friday’s game from Portland to Spokane, and then another 5 after Saturday’s game from Spokane to Kelowna.
“It was a great game, great game by us, especially playing four in five, you know, you’re going to have some excuses…It was a really big, big moment where we could have either shut down, or we could have built up and kept going. – and we definitely did that (kept going).”
The victory capped a 4 game in 5 night road trip which saw the club have great starts, but after going into the third period either tied or ahead, they came out on the losing end of the score.
“I think just we recovered well and obviously we had a sick taste in our mouth after these last few, where these points that we could have had, that could have shot us up the standings.
“These last couple games we let some leads slip, and some games slip, and some points. (Sunday) we really put it down – and put that one to bed.”
After starting the season with just 3 wins in their first 27 games, the club has rebounded, winning 10 since.
With the victory on Sunday, the Royals have pulled into a tie for the final playoff spot In the West, held by the Rockets.
“Those two points were huge for for a group and now we’re tied tied with them for a playoff spot. So yeah, I think that’s just our mentality and no excuses.
“We could have folded it and everyone could’ve been tired, no sleep and all that…but we really found a way, and I think that was one of our best games we played.”
– Marlon Martens
