It was a winning weekend in a lot of ways for Dylan Schives.
The Tilbury, Ontario product is already proving to be a difference maker on an already-stacked blueline for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Schives is off to a hot start in the BCHL accumulating four assists in as many games including a two point effort in a 5-2 victory on Saturday over the Merritt Centennials in front of 576 fans at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
The 20-year-old signed with the Spruce Kings over the summer, bringing with him a major-junior pedigree that included a three-year stint in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Two of those were spent with the Quebec Remparts where he was coached by Hall of Famer and Stanley Cup champion goaltender Patrick Roy.
Schives told MyPGNow.com after the game, he grew as a player under Roy’s tutelage.
“He’s got the reputation of a winner. He’s very strict so I learned to be on the ball, do what I am told and work hard obviously. Honestly, that helped me get here and be who I am and work hard every game, shift and every chance I get.”
The weekend was made extra-special for Schives, who had ten family members in the stands that made the trek out to the northern capital from Ontario either by plane or by car.
“It means the world. Obviously, hockey is the best sport and to have my family support me 24/7 and do these trips for quite a while now is great to see.”
PG jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period courtesy of Rowan Miller and Austin Fraser.
Fraser was sprung on a partial breakaway after a nice open look by Colton Cameron, ripping it past Cents netminder John Hicks.
The goal, the celly, the jerseys! pic.twitter.com/8MRd9vgdxX
— Prince George Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) October 17, 2021
John Herrington (Spruce Kings) and Davide Patella (Merritt) traded goals in the second, keeping the hosts two-goal edge intact.
In the third, the Spruce Kings reasserted their dominance as Nick Rheaume continued his torrid pace offensively notching his third goal of the season off a three-way passing play that included Miller and Simon Labelle.
After Cents forward Connor Farren made it 4-2, Ben LeFranc capped off a sweet end-to-end rush scoring his first of the season, restoring PG’s three goal edge.
Jordan Fairlie made 17 saves in the victory for the home team.
The Spruce Kings outshot Merritt 40-19 overall and also went 2-for-5 on the power-play.
Over the two games, PG went 4-for-8 on the man advantage clicking at a 50% success rate.
The line of Labelle, Rheaume and Miller combined for seven more points.
Johnny on the spot! Literally! pic.twitter.com/CNXURwoj5S
— Prince George Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) October 17, 2021
PG improves to 3-1 while the Centennials drop to 0-4.
Local product Blake Astorino went pointless in defeat for Merritt.
The Spruce Kings are now off to the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack where they will play the Wenatchee Wild at 1pm on Wednesday followed by a clash with the Victoria Grizzlies at 7:30 pm on Thursday.