The Prince George Spruce Kings raced out to a 3-0 lead and held on for a 3-2 victory over the Coquitlam Express before just 300 fans in Coquitlam The victory moves P.G. into first place in the BCHL Mainland Division, a point ahead of Chilliwack although the Chiefs have three games in hand. Justin Rai and line-mate Chad Staley each notched a goal and an assist for the 10-5-0-2 Spruce Kings, who continue on the road tonight (Thursday) in Langley against the 5-4-1-3 Rivermen. Jarryd Leung, in his first game with Prince George, earned one assist on a Jake LeBrun first period goal. Leung was acquired from the Powell River Kings for Brent Lashuk in a swap of 20-year-old forwards.
–The Prince George Cougars return to action this weekend at CN Centre when they entertain the Kamloops Blazers Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2. Kamloops is coming off a 4-1 loss Wednesday night to Everett.
–There’s a Prince George connection to the Philadelphia Flyers game tonight (Thursday) against the Lightning in Tampa. Ex Spruce Kings and Cariboo Cougars defenceman Brandon Manning is with the Flyers after he was called up from their AHL farm club (Lehigh Valley Phantoms). Former PG Cougars Brett Connolly and Eric Brewer are with Tampa although Connolly has missed the last two games with a lower body injury.
–In the BCMML: the 9-2-1 Cariboo Cougars hit the road as they visit the 2-8 Kootenay Ice Saturday and Sunday.
–Prince George Inner City fighter Kenny Lally suffered a cut over his eye that required eight stitches but he won his opening bout by unanimous decision over Mark Gauthier of Quebec at the Boxing Canada Elite Championships in Mississauga, Ontario. The 25-year-old Lally, a five-time National champion, advances to the semi-finals in the 56 Kilos division. He is one of seven boxers from B.C., coached by Bob Pegues of Inner City, that has reached the medal round.
–The Duchess Park Condors are the Jr Varsity football PG Bowl champions. Duchess won its third straight Jr title at Masich Place Stadium following a 32-20 victory over the Nechako Valley Vikings.