Kings Beat Lakers In Season Opener

Dillon Liberty put 4 points on the boards in his first game as captain of the Dresden Jr Kings, an 8-4 win over Wallaceburg | Photo courtesy of Jocelyn McLaughlin

The Dresden Jr Kings played spoiler with an 8-4 win over the new-look Lakers at Wallaceburg’s home opener on Wednesday night.

Newcomer Josh Farrugia opened the scoring in the first and made things interesting by following it up with another to give Wallaceburg a 2-0 lead; unfamiliar territory in recent years.

The air of hope was short lived on opening night, as Dresden fired back with two goals from newly named captain Dillon Liberty before the end of the first. In total, the Kings scored eight unanswered goals to take control of the affair.

Wallaceburg added third period markers from Jake Cummings and Nolan Farr in the third period, where they managed to hold Dresden off the score sheet and create some positive momentum.

Liberty was named the game’s first star with two goals and two assists. Kings d-man Logan Purbrick had a solid game, quarterbacking the D-core and adding three assists. Alex Hall and Kevin Ritzer added a goal and an assist while Macks Holmes had two helpers. Tyler Hotham, Kyle Hachey and Eric Carter all scored their first career PJHL goals for Dresden.

One-time Lakers goaltender Derion Ducedre stopped 19 shots to earn his first win as a Jr King.

Josh Farrugia led the Lakers with two goals and an assist. Zach Lindley started for Wallaceburg and allowed five goals on 23 shots. Max Lozon took over mid-way through the second and allowed three on 16 shots.

Dresden’s next game is their home opener Friday night (Sep 23) against Lakeshore. Puck drop is 7:30. The Lakers hit the ice again next Wednesday (Sep 28) against Blenheim.