Listen Live
Listen Live

Spruce Kings pounce on wounded Terriers

Even though it was a meaningless game in the standings, the Prince George Spruce Kings showed no mercy against the Portage Terriers cruising to a 5-1 victory.

The Doyle Cup champions needed just 53 seconds to light the lamp as Dylan Anhorn got the party started for the Spruce Kings who took a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes at the National Junior A Championship on Wednesday.

Prince George’s relentless forecheck resulted in singles for Ben Brar and Chong Min Lee who made life difficult for Terriers goaltender Nathan Moore who saw his team get outshot 20-3 after the first period.

“We have figured out we need to start the game on time after a rough first game against Oakville and play for the team and to not be selfish and I think that is working – that is why we are successful.”

Lee is enjoying a coming out party of sorts offensively where he has collected two goals and two helpers and is second on the Spruce Kings in scoring only behind teammate Brar.

MYPGNOW asked Lee what is going right offensively.

“I love to play with the Poisson brothers, they are awesome. I like to make the passes and see myself as a playmaker because Benny and Nicky are good shooters so we have a lot of good chemistry going on.”

Nolan Welsh added a single in the middle frame to increase the PG lead to 4-0.

Keenan Rancier came on in relief of Logan Neaton after the first frame where both goalies combined to make nine saves.

Braden Billaney scored in defeat for the Terriers who finish the tournament 0-4.

Nick Poisson added his third of the NJAC late in the third period.

“I think I have been really going to the net this tournament where I have been finding pucks. That pass by Chong reached my stick and I think the bounces are going my way and I look to keep it going.”

“It’s fun to do it on the national stage, it’s something you dream about as a kid playing in front of lots of people and scouts so you want to be good, it’s lots of fun to score goals so it’s something fun to say that you scored at the national championships is something pretty cool for me to say.”

PG outshot Portage 44-10 overall as the Spruce Kings went 1-for-8 on the power-play.

The Spruce Kings improve to 3-0 in the round-robin and will wrap up that portion of the tournament tomorrow night against the host Brooks Bandits at 6 PM from the Centennial Regional Arena, the winner will have choice on what time they play during the semi-finals on Saturday.

MYPGNOW’s Brendan Pawliw is providing extensive coverage of the National Junior A Championship 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) 5-1 win
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.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Jobless mark in Prince George drops slightly to 5.7% in June

Prince George's unemployment rate saw a bit of an improvement in June.

Cyclist involved in PG hit and run passes away

The Prince George RCMP and the Canadian Cancer Society confirmed a cyclist involved in the hit and run on Monday has passed away.

Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Friday, July 11th

Special Olympics BC Summer Games: The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George officially began with the opening ceremonies last night (Thursday) at CN Centre.

PHOTOS: Special Olympics BC Summer Games officially open

The Special Olympics BC Summer Games are officially underway in Prince George. The opening ceremonies were held at the CN Centre tonight (Thursday), as the City welcomes nearly 900 athletes to the City to compete in ten sports. 

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.
- Advertisement -