Despite no fans in the stands, it was a welcomed sight to see junior hockey return to BC’s northern capital.

Ben Ward tipped home the game-winner with four seconds left as the Merritt Centennials edged the Prince George Spruce Kings 2-1 in exhibition play from the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena Sunday.

Andrew Seaman scored the lone goal for PG.

Colton Phillips-Watts of Quesnel picked up the win in net for the Cents.

PG outshot Merritt 25-17 in the contest.

The Centennials lit the lamp twice on the power-play with Grayson Valente breaking the ice in the middle frame.

Brandon Dent, Hunter Brown, Blake Astorino, and Alex Ochitwa of PG play for Merritt.

On Friday, the Spruce Kings defeated Merritt 6-2 on the road.

PG went 3-for-6 on the man advantage.

Jordan Fairlie picked up the win in goal.

The Spruce Kings are back in action on November 7th (Saturday) against the Centennials from the RMCA at 7 pm.