The Prince George Spruce Kings were led by a brother act to kick off their 2018-19 BCHL Season.
Ben and Nicolas Poisson recorded a combined five points as the Spruce Kings steamed past the Chilliwack Chiefs by a 5-1 score on Friday at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
It was highlighted by the younger sibling picking up a goal and an assist in his first Junior A game while playing with his older brother Ben for the very first time, who wasn’t to shabby either picking up three assists..
“I had a rough pre-season but today I kind of went out there and went back to basics and it worked, I slowed down the game for myself and allowed myself to play and skate,” said Nick Poisson.
The 17-year-old played with Sam Kozlowski who scored in his first game as a Spruce King and Corey Cunningham who added a helper and was named Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game with one assist.
“They’re both top-level players and it was great playing with them because they are so aggressive in getting pucks and creating offense and anytime a fourth line can do that and change the game it’s a good sign and I just want to keep continuing to help out with that line.”
The younger Poisson saw the drive and determination it takes to make it back from a long-term injury after watching his older brother fully recover from a ruptured spleen and separated shoulder only to suit up in the Fred Page Cup Final against the Wenatchee Wild.
“He (Ben) showed so much resilience and was just not willing to quit on himself he knew from day one he would be back in playoffs and he had a goal in mind and he did nothing else but rest and sleep and make sure he was ready to go for the playoffs, he wanted to be back as badly as anything.”
The elder Poisson notched three assists and was named first-star.
Nick Bochen, Nolan Welsh and Ben Brar added singles for the Spruce Kings who went two-for-six on the power-play.
Prince George welcomes the Chiefs back to the RMCA tonight at 7 p.m.
Before the game, the Spruce Kings held a pre-game banner raising ceremony as well as honoured the Humboldt Broncos following last spring’s bus crash which was part of a CJHL wide infinitive.
The BCHL club also paid tribute to Malcolm Poburan who spent over 35 years with the hockey club after he passed away in the spring following a battle with cancer.
-Spruce Kings
