The island trip didn’t start well for the Spruce Kings, but they were able to bounce back with a 4-1 win against the Nanaimo Clippers Sunday afternoon.
Huitema had the best chance early on as the defenseman playing up front nearly scored down the right wing. His shot was knocked away by Evan DeBrouwer, and Brett Mennear was denied on the rebound by the netminder sprawling to his right.
Prince George would take their first lead on a Ben Brar shot that was knocked away, and Brett Mennear was able to roof the puck.
Evening the score 8:35 into the second was Vincent Millette as he took a cross ice pass from Taylor Carol and went upstairs to tie the game at one. The Spruce Kings would retake the lead on another power play as Chong Lee was able to tap a puck between the legs of DeBrouwer. That lead would double on a Drew Lennon power play goal with 4:42 left in the frame to put Prince George ahead 3-1.
In the third, neither team was able to muster up many chances and the best came with two minutes to go shorthanded. Spencer Hewson stole the puck from Tyler Anderson at the blueline, and walked in on a breakaway. Anderson was able to get back and hook Hewson, but the forwards shot still slid along the goal line before Grant dove on the puck.
Down a man late, Ben Brar was able to score his second empty net goal in a Prince George uniform with eight seconds left in the game. That’s where things got chippy as Brar skated a little close to the Clippers bench, and some sticks came out to whack the Spruce Kings forward away. After the ensuing faceoff, Sean Buchanan had his eyes straight on the Prince George bench, and wired a wrister that sent that team diving out of the way.
Prince George will now head home for a three game home stand. They ought to enjoy it, as the team has just one home game in the next month and a half. Wednesday the Vernon Vipers slither North, and the Chilliwack Chiefs march up for a doubleheader on Friday and Saturday. All three games are 7pm (PST).
-Prince George Spruce Kings
