The anticipation is building and the winds of change will be blowing for the Prince George Spruce Kings this season.
After having back-to-back stellar seasons with a veteran laden group, the defending Fred Page and Doyle Cup champions will have a lot of new faces heading into the 2019-20 BCHL season.
Did I forget to mention the Spruce Kings were also one win away from claiming the National Junior A Championship in Brooks, Alberta only to fall to the host Bandits.
Stalwarts like Dustin Manz, Patrick Cozzi, Ben Brar, Ben Poisson, Layton Ahac, and Logan Neaton, along with virtually the entire blueline with the exception of Nick Bochen have all graduated to the NCAA ranks.
If that wasn’t enough, Prince George also lost head coach Adam Maglio to the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs and promoted Associate coach Alex Evin to the top role.
The Spruce Kings are set to play the Surrey Eagles tonight (Friday) and Saturday from the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
Evin told MyPGNow.com the new-look group is itching to make its mark.
“I think our group is excited for the season to begin. We have had a long training camp and exhibition week. Hopefully we are ready to start the season on a good note.”
Prince George wrapped up two exhibition games with the Merritt Centennials last week picking up a win and shootout loss.
All in all, Evin was pretty pleased with what he saw from his players.
“I liked our energy and pace. We played well in both games 5 on 5 but we still have a long way to go and plenty of learning to endure as a group.”
Opening night might feel like a royal celebration of sorts for the Spruce Kings as they honour the work of last year’s team with a special banner raising ceremony just ahead of puck drop.
“It is special. This is a very big night for our organization. We accomplished a lot and it is important to honour last years team. Everyone played a huge part, not only the players but the training staff, coaches, volunteers, and the fans,” added Evin.
Perhaps the player with the biggest shoes to fill is newly-acquired goaltender Jett Alexander who was acquired in a trade from the North York Rangers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
However, Evin doesn’t see that way.
“Logan was a great goalie for us. It will be unfair to compare the two because they are different people, different goalies, and they are taking
different paths in their careers. ”
“Jett just has to be himself, compete extremely hard, make some saves and the rest will take care of itself. ”
“He has done a great job so far.”
Last season for North York, Alexander posted a 30-11-1 record with 10 shutouts, the most of any goalie in the league.
On the year, he had a 1.67 GAA to go with a .947 save percentage between the pipes.
He was named the OJHL Goaltender of the Year as voted on by the leagues General Managers.
Puck drop for both games is at 7pm.
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