It was a bittersweet feeling for the Prince George Spruce Kings down in the Lower Mainland.
Whatever dejection the team felt after losing 5-3 to the Surrey Eagles on Friday was quickly overcome with a touch of joy as they clinched their first BCHL Division title in 21 years as Chilliwack dropped a 5-2 decision on home ice against the Merritt Centennials.
While we know the boys would have loved the win, look at what they’ve done in 54 games so far this season. 22 wins on home ice, and the first division banner in the BCHL for this organization!
Playoffs start in 2 weeks at home!!!!
— Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) February 17, 2018
The Eagles jumped out to a 3-0 early into the second as Jeffrey Stewart, Matthew Campese and Desi Burgart all found the back of the cage against Spruce Kings netminder Evan DeBrouwer.
However, the Spruce Kings fought all the way back to knot the contest at three thanks to a trio of markers from Blake Hayward, Sam Anzai and Liam Watson-Brawn.
Unfortunately, the comeback fell short as the Eagles sealed the deal in the third period with two more goals from Ryan Brushett and Ty Westgard.
Surrey outshot the Spruce Kings 32-17 overall, including a 14-1 margin in the third period.
Regardless, Prince George will play the fourth place team in the Mainland division in the playoffs.
The Spruce Kings are back in action tonight against the Express in Coquitlam.
BCHL:
MAINLAND DIVISION STANDINGS:
Prince George, 54 games = 30-16-4-4 (68 points)
Surrey, 54 games = 25-21-6-2 (58 points)
Chilliwack, 53 games = 25-22-3-3 (56 points)
Langley, 53 games = 22-19-10-2 (56 points)
Coquitlam, 55 games = 14-37-1-3 (32 points)