The Chilliwack Chiefs tried to kick and scream their way to victory against the Prince George Spruce Kings on Friday.
Unfortunately for them, a late surge by the RBC CUP hosts came up just short as the Spruce Kings edged the Chiefs by a 3-2 score at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
Liam Watson-Brawn, Patrick Cozzi and Ben Brar all chipped in offensively as the hosts built up leads to 2-0 and 3-1 and did just enough to hold off their Mainland Division rivals from the Fraser Valley to open up a five point lead on the Surrey Eagles for first place.
Evan DeBrouwer was steady again for the Spruce Kings allowing two goals on just 26 shots, while making several key stops in the third to preserve the victory.
“They pushed, they are a good team and there is no doubt in my mind that when we are in a tight game against them they are going to push and our guys held on and made great plays at the right time and DeBrouwer was really solid to get us that win,” says Kyle Johnson, Spruce Kings Captain.
The 20-year-old netminder is enjoying his best season in the BCHL ranking third amongst goalies with a record of 21-13-0-4 along with a 2.30 GAA and a .918 save percentage.
Johnson says during various times of the season, DeBrouwer has risen up in key moments to help keep the steams within the upper echelon of the BCHL.
“He’s been awesome, there has been a lot of games we can look at in the standings and directly credit to his work, he has been incredible for us and when our players aren’t too happy with their play in front and he bails you out, that’s all you can ask for from your goalie.”
Prince George’s record at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena now stands at 18-5-1-1, the second best in the BCHL.
The Spruce Kings are 4-0-1 against the Chiefs this season and have outscored them by a 24-10 margin overall.
Both teams play tonight at 7 PM from the RMCA.