Throughout the 2017/2018 season, Sunday has not been kind to the Prince George Spruce Kings. This Sunday was no different as Prince George fell 3-2 in overtime to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at the Shaw Centre.
The Spruce Kings were behind the eight-ball before the puck even dropped on the afternoon, as a warm-up violation penalty was called against Prince George, putting them shorthanded to start the matchup.
Akito Hirose of the Silverbacks opened the scoring in the first minute, snapping a wrister past Bradley Cooper, making his 11th start of the season.
The Spruce Kings would respond in that opening frame, as Dylan Anhorn snapped one home off a pass from Dustin Manz at 4:28 to tie the game.
The second period would see a number of power-play opportunities, including some 4 on 4 and 4 on 3 time, but neither team was able to find the back of the net.
In the third, Salmon Arm would take the lead at 2:28 on Hirose’s second goal, an individual effort as he walked into the zone and beat Cooper with the shot.
Layton Ahac responded for the Spruce Kings just after a power-play expired as his point shot went through Reid Cooper in the ‘Backs net to knot it up with 10 minutes remaining to set up overtime.
In the extra frame, a long shot by Salmon Arm deflected off the glass, and came right into the slot, as Nick Unruh jumped all over the opportunity and slammed it home to send the crowd home happy.
Manz two assists earned him 2nd star honours. The Spruce Kings power-play went 0/5.
Prince George returns home for their only game next weekend, as they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena. It’s another Friday Friends and Family Special, as Save on Foods sells a voucher of 4 tickets, 4 popcorn, and 4 pop for $19.72 at all Prince George locations.
-Spruce Kings
