The City of Prince George and fans of the Spruce Kings got to say thank you one last time to the team that claimed the franchise’s first ever Fred Page and Doyle Cup titles.
A ceremony was held today (Tuesday) at the PG Conference and Civic Centre where Mayor Lyn Hall told MYPGNOW it was important to give the kids their due.
“It’s important for us as a city to recognize anyone who achieves this kind of recognition so winning two cups was important to us to bring them in and have the fans come in and just say thank you.”
Hall adds the team certainly created a buzz within the city over the last two years.
“Everywhere I went since the start of the playoffs, the common theme was that these boys are making us proud and they certainly have and we can’t say enough about what they have achieved.”
.@SpruceKings players and staff getting introduced by @Lynhallpg at PG Conference and Civic Centre #cityofpg #sports pic.twitter.com/EW7kyCgh3G
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) May 21, 2019
Spruce Kings Forward Corey Cunningham says even though the team is disappointed with the way the National Junior A Championship ended, he admits that doesn’t take away what they accomplished.
“I think we are happy with the result. We were one shot away and we can’t blame each other as we worked so hard and deserved everything we got this year.”
As for what Cunningham will remember the most about the season, the 17-year-old answered that question very simply.
“Probably hoisting the Fred Page Cup trophy that was pretty cool.”
Graduating Spruce Kings defenceman Jay Keranen explained to MYPGNOW what he’ll miss the most about the group.
“Probably just the group of guys that we’ve had and I have made some really good buddies where I will continue the friendship for a lifetime and winning the league will be something I will never forget.”
.@SpruceKings Captain Ben Poisson thanking the fans and volunteers for all their support this season @mypgnow @CityofPG #cityofpg #sports pic.twitter.com/lwfPu8eD2p
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) May 21, 2019
A key piece to the playoff run was the acquisition of 19-year-old forward Lucas Vanroboys who was acquired at the BCHL trade deadline with the Cowichan Valley Capitals where he played on a key checking line with Cunningham and Nolan Welsh that was lights out during the BCHL Playoffs and Doyle Cup.
He stated now that the team has a winning pedigree they want to take another shot at this next year.
“We want to do this all over again right? this feeling is addicting and contagious so we want to do it again.”
The Spruce Kings fell in the Gold Medal Game at the National Junior A Championship against the Brooks Bandits 4-3 on Sunday.
The players are set to leave the city on Wednesday.
.@SpruceKings President Rick Turgeon speaking at the reception @mypgnow #cityofpg #sports pic.twitter.com/DLkOkGSQ5t
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) May 21, 2019