The Prince George Spruce Kings are hoping there’s nowhere to go but up.
Outscored by the Wentahcee Wild 24-6 during a three game mini-series at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena it got down right ugly on Saturday as the Wild held leads of 4-0 and 10-2 as they coasted to an 11-2 whipping over the Spruce Kings.
Prince George completes a disappointing home stand to begin the 2016-17 BCHL season at 0-4-1 a record that is not sitting well with Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes.
“Tonight’s (Saturday) game was a perfect example of not being ready to play, you know it’s 3-0 just 5 minutes in so the goaltenders weren’t ready to go and as a group we did not answer the bell. At this level, it’s not the coaches that are responsible to get the players motivated you have to motivate yourself.”
The Wild had 8 players who recorded two or more points including 19-year old forward AJ Vanderbeck who says the team is ready to avenge last year’s playoff exit. “Obviously that’s not how we wanted to end our season last year, we have a lot of veteran players who want to get to the finals this year and will take one step at a time.”
Vanderbeck had a 4 point night along with forwards Troy Conzo who potted a hat-trick and 2 assists, Charlie Combs, and Lucas Sowder.
Wenatchee outshot Prince George 48-23 and went 3 for 4 on the power play.
Stefan Wornig allowed 5 goals on 28 shots while Liam McCloskey gave up six goals on 20 shots for Prince George.
The Spruce Kings travel to the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on Thursday and Friday where they will play the Penticton Vees and Merritt Centennials.
BCHL Scoreboard
Nanaimo Clippers 3 Surrey Eagles 2
Langley Rivermen 4 Chilliwack Chiefs 1
Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2 Penticton Vees 1
Cowichan Valley Capitals 2 Victoria Grizzlies 1
West Kelowna Warriors 3 Vernon Vipers 1
Coquitlam Express 3 Salmon Arm Silverbacks 1
Merritt Centennials 3 Trail Smoke Eaters 2
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
