The dynamic duo of Brendan Harris and Charlie Combs proved to be too much for the Prince George Spruce Kings on Wednesday during a 5-1 loss to the Wenatchee Wild.
Harris and Combs led the way offensively netting three points each in their season opening contest.
Combs had a goal and two assists in the first of a mini three game series against the Spruce Kings at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena and believes it’s their strong relationship that contributes to their on-ice success.
“We have a really good connection and are good friends off the ice which carries over into games and the hard work has really paid off.”
Harris, on the other hand, had a pair of goals followed by a helper in the victory and led the Wild in scoring with 58 points during their inaugural season (2015-16) in the BCHL.
He believes beginning the 2016-17 campaign on the road could prove to be beneficial. “The 13 hour bus ride brings out some camaraderie so it’s nice coming up to a place like Prince George and being able to play here as well.”
Prince George squandered three early power plays in the first period including a 5-on-3 for 1:24.
Spruce Kings Assistant Coach Ryan Howse says the team needs to show a better sense of urgency on the man advantage.
“On the power-play you have to outwork them. The penalty kill is a lot easier because you want to out work them and your almost hungrier and that’s what it was like all night. As a player you have to come out there and you have to make the most of it every time with the open space. You’ve got to put the puck in the net.”
While the likes of Kyle Johnson, Tanner Campbell and Braiden Epp have been slow out of the gate offensively, the coaching staff has been very pleased with the young line of Ben Poisson, who scored the lone marker in the loss, along with Travis Schneider and Ethan de Jong, both of whom also saw time at the point on the power-play.
Howse adds their youthful energy has been fun to watch so far. “We need to feed off that, maybe the older guys need to look to them for a spark, it doesn’t always have to be the veterans, it should be but the young guys are smiling, getting chances and have improved every game.”
Spruce Kings Goalie Liam McCloskey was chased from the net after giving up 4 goals on 15 shots.
Stefan Wornig gave up one marker on 20 shots in relief.
The Wild outshot Prince George 35-29.
Both teams play again Friday and Saturday at 7PM from the RMCA.
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The PG Spruce Kings have acquired 19 year old forward Hunter Luhmann from the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.
The 5’11” 194 pound Luhmann notched seven points (three goals) and 21 penalty minutes in 40 games last season with Waterloo.