When things often go sour most players and coaches will look to their captain for a needed boost.
Ben Poisson more than delivered for the Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday scoring the game-winning goal top shelf edging the Langley Rivermen 2-1 in front 828 fans at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena (RMCA).
The 19-year-old broke a 1-1 deadlock with 7:31 remaining in the third period placing a perfect shot past Rivermen goalie Braedon Fleming who put up 40 saves in defeat.
Poisson says this was a rebound game of sorts for the Spruce Kings who fell flat 24 hours earlier to Langley by a 4-0 count.
“The first game caught us a little by surprise as we turned over a few too many pucks and in this game, we knew what was coming and we did what we needed to do.”
“Yesterday came down to preparation and for this one we knew what we needed to do and it was more of a redemption game for us.”
The biggest surprise of the game was Rivermen Head and GM Bobby Henderson’s decision to start Fleming over Shayne Battler who pitched a 27-save shutout the night prior against the Spruce Kings, but the Langley bench boss guessed right despite the loss with Fleming among the game’s three stars.
Prince George outshot Langley 43-22 in the game and went 0-for-5 on the man-advantage.
Corey Cunningham and Dylan Anhorn exited the game after the first period due to injury.
Anhorn is expected to attend the Team Canada West Camp for the World Junior A Challenge, which begin on Monday.
Max Coyle assisted on the game-winner while Patrick Cozzi also added a pair of helpers for the Spruce Kings.
With the win, Prince George pulls back in front of the Chilliwack Chiefs for the Mainland Division lead with a record of 21-8-1-2.
Both teams don’t play again until Wednesday when the Chiefs welcome Langley (2PM) and the Spruce Kings host the Vernon Vipers at 7PM from the RMCA.
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