Even with their fate already known, the Prince George Spruce Kings don’t plan to take a game off at the National Junior A Hockey Championship.
With a 2-0 record secured along with a guaranteed place in the semi-final, the Doyle Cup champs will look to stay sharp against a winless Portage Terriers squad that is 0-3 with nothing but pride left to play for.
In an interview with MYPGNOW, Head Coach Adam Maglio believes the Terriers still pose a bit of a threat even though they are eliminated from playoff contention.
“They like to produce offence off the attack so they are a possession team. I think every team is here for a reason, they are a very good team and have been in every game so it’s going to be another good test.”
Coming off a solid 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Junior Senators on Monday, Spruce Kings forward Dustin Manz believes the team is starting to play to their capabilities at the NJAC after a slow start in a 5-1 victory against Oakville.
“I thought we played a great team game on Monday and is a better indication to how we have been playing all year and all playoffs.”
“We just need to keep doing what we’re doing and just keep it simple at the start of the game and get at it.”
For Portage, it is the last chance for some of the younger players who are eligible to be back for next year’s National Junior A Championship, which they will be hosting next spring to leave an impression.
“It’s an experience for lots of guys here and maybe we’ll give some guys who haven’t had a chance to play to get in there as we have a few players who are dinged up and at the same time they all deserve to play,” said Blake Spiller, Terriers Head Coach and GM.
The Spruce Kings have given up a combined 34 shots against in their first two victories at Nationals.
Puck drop is at 6 pm from the Centennial Regional Arena.
MYPGNOW’s Brendan Pawliw is providing extensive coverage of the tournament from Brooks, Alberta.
PG SPRUCE KINGS NATIONAL SCHEDULE:
Sunday, May 12th: PG Spruce Kings vs. Oakville Blades (1:00 PT) 5-1 win
Monday, May 13th: PG Spruce Kings vs. Ottawa Jr. Senators (6:00 PT) 4-0 win
Wednesday, May 15th: PG Spruce Kings vs. Portage Terriers (6:00 PT)
Thursday, May 16th: PG Spruce Kings vs. Brooks Bandits (6:00 PT)
The tournament semi-finals are Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. PT and the final goes Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 p.m. PT.