It was the home opener of the 2023-24 BCHL season at Kopar Memorial Arena. The Prince George Spruce Kings welcomed in the Chilliwack Chiefs.
The Spruce Kings ultimately fell to 0-1-1-0 in the 3-2 overtime loss to the Chiefs. However, it was quite the show for all of the Spruce Kings fans that packed into Kopar Memorial Arena.
The scoring Friday night started when Kilian McGregor-Bennett (03) scored short-handed.
Skogen Schrott (05) was sent to the penalty box two minutes into the first period. Instead of Chilliwack taking advantage of the man advantage, it was McGregor-Bennet who found himself on a short-handed breakaway, making no mistake and beating the Chiefs goalie Austin McNicholas (04).
Ten minutes later, Chilliwack struck back.
A point shot from defenseman Olivier Beaulieu (05) was tipped in front and over the shoulder of Spruce Kings Goalie Ryan Sanborn (05) by Chiefs forward Nico Grabas (05).
1-1 was the score at the end of the first period.
That score stayed the same through 40 minutes as both teams traded power-play opportunities. Neither team was able to capitalize.
1-1 was the score after two periods.
The third and fourth lines brought energy to the Spruce Kings in the third period. Skogen Schrott and newly acquired Rylan Brady (04) combined for a great chance early in the third.
J.R. Perdion (03) broke the scoreless drought halfway through the third period. A quick wrist shot from the wall flew over the glove of McNicholas, and Spruce Kings led 2-1.
Later, Stone Rolston (05) from the side of the net jammed home the tying goal, forcing overtime.
Almost eight minutes into the extra frame it was Nico Grabas who found the back of the net, putting the dagger into the back of Prince George.
The Spruce Kings fall to the Chiefs. 3-2, the final score.
Despite being credited with the loss, the first star of the game was Spruce Kings goalie Ryan Sanborn. The Rensselaer Polytech Institute commit turned away 35 of the 38 shots he faced. Those saves also included some incredible acrobatic efforts.
Ultimately, special teams were the downfall of the Spruce Kings Friday night. Prince George went to the powerplay six times, failing to score on all six attempts. The Spruce also took six penalties in the overtime loss.