If Game one of the BCHL’s Mainland Division Final between the Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings was given a movie title it probably would have been “Night Train to Vegas”.
That’s because lady luck was on the side of the Spruce Kings on Friday, destroying the host Chiefs by a 7-0 score in front of 1,550 fans at Prospera Centre.
Dustin Manz once again showed off his elite offensive skill posting a natural hat trick against Chiefs goalie Daniel Chernard.
NATURAL HAT-TRICK ???
The @SpruceKings (specifically Dustin Manz) are pouring it on against Chilliwack, up 4-0 at the midway point. pic.twitter.com/RcbOXcq7gx
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) March 16, 2019
Things continued to roll the way of the Spruce Kings as they would score five times in the middle frame, including pair from Dylan Anhorn followed by a single courtesy of Nick Bochen.
Ben Poisson drew first blood for Prince George at 16:52 of the opening period.
Chilliwack was outshot 35-19 in the game while both teams failed to capatilize on a combined four power-plays between them.
Ben Poisson opens the scoring with a nifty deflection pic.twitter.com/SHe3l72lWk
— Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) March 16, 2019
Logan Neaton collected the shutout for Prince George bringing his goals against average to 1.43 in the playoffs to go along with a .941 save percentage, which is tops in the BCHL.
Ben Brar, Patrick Cozzi, and Lucas Vanroboys also collected two assists each as eleven Spruce Kings collected at least one point in the victory.
Game Two is slated for tonight at 7:00 from Prospera Centre.
The series then shifts back to PG for Games 3 and 4 Monday and Tuesday from the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
Also on Friday, the Victoria Grizzlies collected a 4-1 win over the Powell River Kings in the first game of the Island Division Final – the winner will play either Prince George or Chilliwack in the third round.
Cowichan Valley, Trail, Prince George, and Victoria were all big winners as round two of the Chevrolet #BCHLPlayoffs officially gets going! pic.twitter.com/o7vRfuOjrq
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) March 16, 2019
SPRUCE KINGS-CHIEFS SCHEDULE:
Game 1 – Friday March 15th – Prince George @ Chilliwack – 7 PM (Spruce Kings win 7-0)
Game 2 – Saturday March 16th – Prince George @ Chilliwack – 7 PM
Game 3 – Monday March 18th – Chilliwack @ Prince George – 7 PM
Game 4 – Tuesday March 19th – Chilliwack @ Prince George – 7 PM
Game 5 – Thursday March 21st – Prince George @ Chilliwack – 7 PM (If Necessary)
Game 6 – Saturday March 23rd – Chilliwack @ Prince George – 7 PM (If Necessary)
Game 7 – Monday March 25th – Prince George @ Chilliwack – 7 PM (If Necessary)
The second round of the Chevrolet #BCHLPlayoffs is officially under way!
The Victoria Grizzlies were the only team to successfully defend home ice, as Trail, Cowichan, and Prince George all scored game one victories on the road. Check out the highlights in #BCHLin60! pic.twitter.com/9BaefVy3GQ
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) March 16, 2019