Vipers Slither Past Spruce Kings In 2OT

Liam Board (28) came back to the Coliseum and led
the Vernon Vipers to a 5-4 win over PG in overtime

The Prince George Spruce Kings entered the final homestand of the regular season seeking consistency heading into the playoffs, but Friday it was inconsistency that was their undoing in a 5-4 double overtime loss to the Vernon Vipers.

The extra session hasn't been friendly to the Spruce Kings all season and they got bitten again Friday at the Coliseum when Brendan Persley converted at 4:23 of the second OT session to give the desperate a Vipers a win. After Bryant Christian charged to the net for the Spruce Kings but was unable to score, Persley led a 3-on-1 rush the other way for Vernon. He faked a pass which froze Spruce Kings goaltender Kirk Thompson and then fired home the game winner.

Although Vernon had the lead three times during regulation, it was Prince George who carried the play much of the game. Yet the home side wasn't able to capitalize on its chances, including a power play in the first overtime period, and lost for the third time in four games to a team who will likely finish the season outside of the playoffs.

Former Spruce King Liam Board, the game's first star, step up the first goal with a strong forecheck in the first period. His work along the boards led to Andrew Tegeler getting the puck alone in front and Tegeler was able to beat Thompson with a quick shot at 4:20.

The Spruce Kings evened the score with a power-play tally at 9:59. Cameron Lawson used speed to gain the zone and set up Justin Rai and Jake LeBrun in front. After a couple of whacks at it, Rai was credited with the goal after knocking the puck up and over Vipers' starter Austin Smith.

The score was tied for less than a shift as Vernon came right back. Board took advantage of a defensive zone break down in the Prince George end and fired a centering pass to Mason Blacklock, who fired home his first of two on the night at 10:28.

The Vipers took that 2-1 lead into the first intermission, but just 1:38 into the second Shayne Morrissey got the Spruce Kings back on even terms when he converted a 3-on-2 with Rai and LeBrun. Morrissey and Rai almost collided as they crossed the blue-line, but LeBrun was patient and when Morrissey got open he dropped the puck back to the trailer and Morrissey's shot snuck past Smith.

Once again the Vipers came right back to take the lead with Persley scoring at 3:08 to give the Vipers their third lead of the hockey game.

Prince George finally got some momentum going in the middle stages of the second with Lyndon Martell and Dairy Queen player of the game Jace Hennig scoring less than a minute apart to give Prince George its first - and only - lead of the game. Martell's goal at 9:03 came off a nice give and go with David Stephens. Kevin Guiltinan also picked up a helper.

Hennig lit the lamp at 10:01 off another nice passing play, Lawson and Christian got the assists on that one.

The Vipers drew even late in the third on a nice individual effort in front of the net by Blacklock. He needed a couple of tries to beat Thompson at 18:28, but his unassisted goal did draw things even.

Neither team was able to muster much of an attack in the third, which brought the game to extra time.

The point for the overtime loss helps the Spruce Kings stay five points ahead of the Langley Rivermen, who will make the trip up to Prince George for a doubleheader to close the weekend. The Spruce Kings can clinch at least third place in the Mainland Division by sweeping Langley on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the Castle.

Spruce Kings Clipped by Nanaimo

Spruce Kings had chances ... all but one sailed by
photo courtesy Gary Dorland

The Prince George Spruce Kings let one get away Friday night at the Coliseum.

Leading the Nanaimo Clippers 1-0 heading into the third period, Prince George was unable to hold on to the lead eventually dropping a 2-1 decision to close out a four-game homestand with two wins, a loss and an overtime loss. Josh Bryan evened the score for the Clippers on a back door power-play goal midway through the third and Mason Mitchell scored the game winner. Cameron Lawson opened the scoring for the Spruce Kings in the first period.

Despite only getting the one goal, Prince George had ample chances against Clippers netminder Jayson Argue. In the first period a Lyndon Martell point blast on the power play rung off the post. In the second, again with the man advantage, Shayne Morrissey clanged one off the cross bar and in the third Coltyn Hansen found the iron.

Argue, who shut out the Spruce Kings in their previous meeting, turned aside 24 shots and was named the Treasure Cove Casino first star.

Lawson's goal came on the Spruce Kings first recorded shot at 8:28 of the opening period. Liam Blackburn's centering pass - likely intended for Morrissey - bounced off a Clipper defender and right to Lawson. The Spruce Kings leading goal scorer wasted little time in putting his 16th goal of the season in the net.

The Spruce Kings got into penalty trouble in the first, but escaped a two man disadvantage unscathed. In fact the penalty killing unit did an excellent job through two periods, killing off four infractions with ease. But it was the fifth penalty that did Prince George in.

The game's second star Greg Fraser set up the pretty goal with a cross-ice pass to a Bryan who was streaking in from his blue-line post. His quick shot beat Spruce Kings goaltender Kirk Thompson. Mitchell also got an assist on the play. Moments later Mitchell notched the game winner, again set up by Fraser with linemate Matthew Grant picking up the third assist.

Thompson, the game's third star, made 29 saves in a losing cause.

For the second game in a row the Spruce Kings captain Trevor Esau was named the Fortis Energy player of the game, while Jace Hennig took home Dairy Queen player of the game honours.

The Spruce Kings begin a stretch of seven straight games against Mainland Division opponents next week when they hit the road for games against Surrey and Chilliwack.

Spruce Kings' OT Woes Continue Against Express

Liam McLeod was at his best in the second period
when Coquitlam was forcing much of the play

The Spruce Kings got a great effort from a trio of rookies, but it wasn't enough on Sunday afternoon as they fell 4-3 in double overtime to the Coquitlam Express.

Former Spruce King defenceman Brad Ryan was the hero for the visitors, converting a 2-on-1 in the second overtime period to give the Express their first win against the Spruce Kings in six starts. Prince George had now dropped six straight overtime games after winning three of their first five to start the year.

Ryan's goal was set up by Adam Rossignol and came at 3:09 of the second OT session, with the two teams playing three-on-three.

Despite the loss, first-year netminder Liam McLeod was strong in net for Prince George. He turned aside 35 shots, including 18 in the second period, and was named the Treasure Cove Casino first star. Fellow rookie Jake LeBrun added two goals and affiliate player Kody Disher had a solid game and was named the Fortis Energy player of the game.

McLeod's counterpart Cole Huggins made 41 saves, with 17 coming in the third period, and was named second star. Spruce Kings defenceman Karan Toor picked up third star honours.

Dairy Queen player of the game Jace Hennig also scored for Prince George, getting a goal against his former team. Rossignol, Justin Georgeson and Ben Israel replied for the Express. Georgeson finished with a goal and two assists.

Disher, called up from Junior B as an affiliate player due to the absence of forwards Sean Landrey and Tyson Witala, made his presence felt early with a scoring chance on his first shift, a big hit on his second and a fight with Israel in the second period. Disher even earned ice time in the final minute of regulation with the score tied.

The Express got on the board first in what turned into a wild first period, when Rossignol beat McLeod with a shot to the five-hole at 9:04. Georgeson and Malcolm McKinney got the helpers seconds after a Trevor Esau penalty expired.

The Spruce Kings drew even on LeBrun's first of the night, the rookie took a feed from Shayne Morrissey and quickly released a wrist shot past Huggins. Cameron Lawson also picked up an assist at 11:39.

Hennig gave the home side its first lead of the game at 12:53 on a goal set up by Coltyn Hansen. After scoring a hat trick Saturday night, Hansen weaved through a pair of Express defenders right in front of the net, but couldn't get a good shot off. Instead he slid the puck back through the crease where Hennig banged it home. David Stephens also got an assist on the play.

The lead was short-lived as the Express drew even when Georgeson capitalized on a penalty shot. Using a dangling move made famous by Peter Forsberg, Georgeson drew McLeod to the goalie's left and at the last second reached around and slid the puck in on the right side at 13:32.

LeBrun put the Spruce Kings back in front at 17:03, tipping a Morrissey shot past Huggins moments after an Express penalty expired. Skylar Pacheco also got a helper. Israel had the lone goal of the second period, collecting his own rebound and lifting a shot over McLeod's shoulder. His power-play goal was assisted by Georgeson and Zack Pryzbek.

The Spruce Kings continue their homestand on Thursday night when they host the Surrey Eagles at the Castle.

Cascade Express Line Gets the Spruce Kings Rolling Again

After allowing three goals in the first period, Kirk Thompson
and the Spruce Kings shut down the Capitals offence

The Spruce Kings were able to turn the tide in the second period and erase a three goal deficit to win Saturday night 4-3 over the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The game started out with a little more of the same from Friday night as the Capitals came out crashing and banging and opened the scoring 1:03 into the game. After adding two more in the opening period, the Capitals were the one that found themselves snake bitten as the Spruce Kings scored four unanswered goals in the second period to post the win.

From the very first shift and for about ten minutes afterwards, the Cowichan Valley Capitals carried the play and had their way with the Spruce Kings. Karan Toor was the first to feel the pressure as he was hammered into the back wall and went down heavy. On the next shift Steen Cooper worked the puck into the Spruce Kings zone and eventually onto the stick of Teal Burns who opened the scoring just 63 seconds into the contest and on the Capitals third shot on goal.

The physical play continued and the Capitals came at Prince George in waves creating another scoring chance that converted at the 4 minute mark. Kyle Horseman found himself in the slot and fired a quick shot some four inches off the ice that floated over the big stick of Kirk Thompson and found the five hole.

The Capitals weren't done there and the same line would provide the game's third goal on a play that started inside the Capitals zone. Horseman was again the work horse on this play as he got the puck up the ice and into the Spruce Kings zone leaving it for Dane Gibson whose shot was stopped but came right back to Hayden James Berra in the slot. The Prince George hockey product wasted no time teeing up a shot that found the corner low to the blocker side.

After the fact the Spruce Kings said they weren't nervous and believed that they could mount a comeback. I don't think they expected it come as quickly as it did. After giving up three goals to the Cowichan Valley Capitals in 14:16 of the first period, the Spruce Kings would respond with three of their own in the first 9:23 of the second period.

The first goal would come on the opening shift which Dave Dupas changed up prior to the puck drop. Originally going with Bryant Christian, Sean Landrey and Jake LeBrun, Dupas pulled that line in favour of the Cascade Express line who had created three chances in the first period for the Spruce Kings. In the second period the line would cash in as a result of some hard work by all three that resulted in Justin Rai picking up the puck in the short side face off circle and threading the needle low glove side for his 9th of the season 35 seconds into the period.

It would take a couple more shifts before the line would get another good scoring chance but again they would make it count off a strong solo effort by Chad Staley. After Jeremiah Luedtke forced the turnover just inside the blueline, Staley did the rest as he picked up the puck, eluded a couple of checks and forced his way through the top of the crease outwaiting the goaltender and then beating him to the far post.

The second goal provided even more spark for the Spruce Kings bench and when the line of Coltyn Hansen, Shayne Morrissey and Jace Hennig came over the boards they made a little more magic happen. With an offensive zone faceoff, Morrissey was able to win the draw back to Skylar Pacheco who walked into the top of the faceoff circle before letting go a shot that went into the corner. Hennig picked it up there and got back out to Morrissey who took another shot that was stopped with the rebound coming out to Pacheco in the slot. Pacheco fired the one timer after stepping around one defender and found the back of the net with his second of the season to tie the game 3-3.

With just under two minutes to go in the second period, the Spruce Kings were rewarded with their first powerplay of the game after Mitch Ball - an affiliate player call up for the Capitals - was called for a trip. The Spruce Kings worked the puck around but couldn't get anything going at first and the Capitals cleared the zone. On the ensuing rush Hayden James Berra caught Jeremiah Luedtke with a heavy hit drawing a boarding minor and giving the Spruce Kings a two man advantage with less than 30 seconds remaining in the middle frame.

In a play that we may have seen once or twice before this season, the Cascade Express line connected on a sweet powerplay move. Justin Rai fed the puck to Chad Staley and then headed to the far side of the net waiting for Staley to feed him from behind the net, but instead Staley flipped it back to Luedtke catching everybody else moving the wrong way opening the short side of the net wide for Luedtke who potted his fifth of the season with 2.3 seconds remaining.

The second period ended with the Spruce Kings leading on the scoreboard 4-3 and tied in shots with the Cowichan Valley Capitals 20-20. The third period saw the Capitals come out strong once again but without an answer for Kirk Thompson who turned aside all 12 shots he faced in the final frame. The Spruce Kings meanwhile had a hard time convincing the shot counter that their shots were on target and finished with only two shots in the third period. That stat didn't matter as the Spruce Kings kept the Capitals off the scoreboard in the final forty minutes to post the 4-3 come-from-behind win.

Certainly the coaching staff had to be a little concerned after the opening twenty minutes with the Spruce Kings unable to find a goal through 80 minutes of play in their weekend road trip. The Spruce Kings will wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule with a matinee affair in the Eagle Nest against the Surrey Eagles at 4pm Sunday. It will be the team's final game of the 2012 calendar year and afterwards the players will go their separate ways to spend the Christmas break with their family and friends.

Just a reminder for fans looking to tune into the game on Sunday, the game will not be broadcast on 93.1 CFIS-FM but will be available on the Spruce Kings MIXLR channel and on FASTHOCKEY.com.

Weekend Sweep Pushes Spruce Kings Up Standings

Kirk Thompson (1) with one of his many sensational saves

The Prince George Spruce Kings officially have their mojo back.

After a five-game losing skid saw them dip as low as fourth place in the Mainland Division, the Spruce Kings completed a perfect weekend with a 4-1 win over the Coquitlam Express on Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum. It was the team's third win in as many days for the Spruce Kings and second straight over their divisional rivals.

The three wins, combined with some losses by others in the Mainland Division, have pushed the Spruce Kings into a second-place tie with the Surrey Eagles. Both teams are four points back of division-leading Chilliwack.

It didn't take long for the Spruce Kings to carry over the momentum from Saturday night's 6-4 win over the Express. Just 25 seconds into the game Sean Landrey finished off a play set up by Bryant Christian and Jake LeBrun.

Two goals just over a minute apart midway through the second period by the team's top goal scorers, gave the Spruce Kings a 3-0 lead and control of the game. First Cameron Lawson came streaking down the right wing and fired a shot passed Express starter Cole Huggins at 8:25, with Kevin Guiltinan and Skylar Pacheco picking up the helpers. Just 64 seconds later Mark Begert found Tyson Witala with a stretch pass down the left wing and he lifted a shot over Huggins shoulder. Witala's tally allowed him to retake the team goal-scoring lead from Lawson; Witala has 14 on the year to Lawson's 13.

That was it for Huggins, who was replaced by Daniel Urbani after giving up three goals on 20 shots.

The Express did get one back in the second period as Philip Zielonka had a couple of whacks at a rebound, before finally beating Kirk Thompson on the third attempt. John Siemer picked up the only assist.

Thompson, the Treasure Trove Casino first star, excelled for the Spruce Kings making 39 saves including many of the spectacular variety. With the Spruce Kings leading 1-0 early in the second period, Thompson made his save of the game coming across the crease to rob Justin Georgeson who had a one-timer all set up. In the third he made an acrobatic save off a second-chance attempt by Zielonka, somehow stretching to get his leg on the puck.

Thompson also got some help from his defencemen, with Trevor Esau sliding to break up a 3-on-1 late in the second period. Esau, along with defence partner Karan Toor, were tasked with shutting down the Express' top line and did a marvelous job. Toor was rewarded with the Dairy Queen player of the game award.

The Shayne Morrissey-Coltyn Hansen-Jace Hennig line generated some great chances in the first period, but were held off the score sheet until the third when Hansen skated behind the net, found Morrissey stationed at the side of the net and the sniper buried his 11th of the year. Hennig also picked up an assist on the goal which came at 8:25 and restored the three-goal advantage.

Hennig was named the game's second star an Christian was the third star. Landrey was named the Fortis Energy player of the game.

It was the only goal the Spruce Kings scored on Urbani, who made 19 saves in relief of Huggins.

After the game, fans took to the ice for the skate with the Spruce Kings promotion at the Coliseum.

The Spruce Kings now have eight straight road games ahead of them spread out over the next five weeks, including stops next weekend in Victoria, Cowichan Valley and Surrey, the team's final three games before the Christmas break. The Spruce Kings aren't back in the Castle until Jan. 18, when Chilliwack comes north for a pair.

Morrissey, Staley lead Spruce Kings past Express

Jace Hennig (19) had a big game against his former team

It was fourth time the charm for the Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday night.

The Spruce Kings proved capable of building a lead against the visiting Coquitlam Express, but for the first 21 minutes or so had a hard time making it stick. It wasn't until Shayne Morrissey broke a 3-3 tie that gave the Spruce Kings their fourth lead of the game that the home side was able to solidify it and skate away with a 6-4 win.

Morrissey, who scored twice in the second period, was named the Treasure Trove Casino second star. He had a few chances to complete the hat trick, missing the net on one play midway through the third and getting stopped by Coquitlam goalie Cole Huggins on a backhand attempt later in the same shift.

Chad Staley, the first star, also had a pair of goals as the Spruce Kings won back-to-back games for the first time since the end of October. The victory gives them a three-point cushion over the Express in the battle for third in the Mainland Division and it also keeps the Spruce Kings in touch with the soaring second-place Surrey Eagles. With two wins already this weekend, Prince George is only two points behind Surrey.

Morrissey notched his first 80 seconds into the second period assisted by Jace Hennig, who recorded his first point in just his second game with the Spruce Kings after being acquired in a trade from the Express. Hennig was named the Dairy Queen player of the game.

Morrissey's second came at 12:43 just after an Express penalty expired. Skylar Pacheco got the play started with a point shot and Coltyn Hansen poked the rebound to Morrissey who deposited the puck into the yawning cage at 12:43.

Staley gave the Spruce Kings a three-goal lead at 5:29 of the third. Mitch Eden charged into the zone, shot and collected his own rebound behind the net. Eden fed Jeremiah Luedtke at the side of the net, Luedtke waited for Staley to get open at the far post and found his linemate.

Philip Zielonka made it a two-goal game at 11:45, assisted by Mitch Fyffe and John Siemer and the were some tense moments for the Spruce Kings in the final minutes as Mitch Eden was whistled for interference and the Express pulled Huggins for a 6-on-4 advantage. Kirk Thompson held strong, making a handful of his 31saves to pick up his 13th win in net. Huggins made 36 saves in a losing effort.

The Spruce Kings took the lead three times in a wild first period, only to see the Express come back each time to tie the score. Both team connected for three goals on 11 shots in the opening 20 minutes.

Mark Begert got things started - and unleashed an avalanche of socks, toques and other donations for the St. Vincent de Paul Society - with a power-play tally at 5:39. Begert's first goal of the season, scored against his former teammates no less, was a point shot which hit a body on it's way past Huggins. Tanner Fjellstrom and Karan Toor picked up the assists.

Will Cook got the Express back on even terms at 8:09, jamming a wrap around past Thompson at 8:09 with assists going to Brandon Morley and Justin Georgeson.

With Shayne Morrissey in the box for slashing, the Spruce Kings struck with a short-handed tally at 9:34. Bryant Christian got control of the puck in the neutral zone, fed Tyson Witala and the Spruce Kings forward gained the line, skated across the high lot and wired a shot passed Huggins.

Fans didn't have a chance to digest that goal, before the Express found the equalizer. Just 16 seconds later on the same power play, Zack Pryzbek took a feed from Cook and beat Thompson.

The prettiest goal of the first came next as the Spruce Kings broke in 3-on-2, with defenceman Mitch Eden leading the way. Eden passed it to Justin Rai on the wing and Rai patiently waited for Staley, the fourth man on the rush to gain the zone. Staley had all day to pick his spot and made no mistake, scoring at 13:27. Rai was named the Fortis BC Energy player of the game.

Mark Biega's seeing-eye point shot at 17:07 beat Thompson and sent the teams tied 3-3 heading into the locker rooms. Travis Stephens and Adam Rockwood got the helpers. Stephens was named the game's third star.

The two teams meet again Sunday at 3 p.m. as the Spruce Kings close out their seven-game homestand - through the first six games they've picked up six points. After this weekend, the Spruce Kings won't be back at the Castle until Jan. 18 when Chilliwack comes for another two-game visit.

Two for Three Player Trades

Brad Ryan (2) and Liam Board (19)

Trades are never the fun part of the game, but they are an integral part of it. Teams make trades all season long to try and tweak and build a better team for the short term and the long term. Even so it isn't always easy on the players or those close to the team.

Earlier today the Spruce Kings finalized two separate deals that results in three new players coming to Prince George in exchange for two players that start the season in the Castle. Liam Board and Brad Ryan who played together last season with the Oakville Blades and then came to Prince George together were dealt to different teams today - Board to Vernon and Ryan to Coquitlam.

For Brad Ryan, this is a move that puts him with a team that started strong and for whatever reason fell off the pace recently. The Express were very persistent in their desire to acquire the big defenceman that came in and made an immediate impact in the BCHL. Ryan has a wicked shot from the left point that can find the top corner with precision and led to his 5 goals and 10 assists from the blue line. Those numbers make Ryan the highest ranked d-man on the Coquitlam Express squad and fifth overall.

Liam Board is an exceptional person, especially off the ice and may very well be the most missed player since Matt Shuya was traded to the Merritt Centennials at the trade deadline in the 2006-07 season. Board showed his ability to be a physical player and was able to put up some decent numbers as well with 5 goals and 9 assists. Those numbers place him fifth on the Vipers team scoring.

Coming this was are a trio of players that have shown they have the talent to excel at this level and beyond. In the mix is a pair of seventeen year old players and a nineteen year old. Acquired from Vernon, Kevin Guiltinan is a rookie defenceman from London, Ontario that has already secured a NCAA Division I scholarship to Harvard University. Even at the age of 17, Guiltinan is an imposing player on the blue line standing 6' 3" and 205 pounds who can hit.

The other two players come via the Coquitlam Express in Jace Hennig and Mark Begert. Hennig is a seventeen year old forward that has speed and a touch around the net. At 5' 10" 175 pounds, Hennig has been able to put up numbers as seen by his stats while playing with the Vancouver NE Giants of the BC Major Midget League where he scored 24 goals and finished with 52 points in 25 games. Since skating with the Express, he has picked up another 4 goals and 12 assists and also secured a NCAA Division I scholarship to Merrimack College.

The other piece of the puzzle is Mark Begert, a 19 year old 6' 185 pound defenceman. Mark is a solid two way defenseman who moves the puck well and according to Mike Hawes, Spruce Kings General Manager, will be used in all situations. In Major Midget, Begert helped the Vancouver NW Giants to consecutive championships. An academic student with high marks, Begert earned a BCHL Academic All-Star honour last season.

These three players should all add a new dynamic to the Spruce Kings and make some improvements in their key areas. Perhaps the biggest improvement is just in the numbers themselves with team now sitting with seven defenceman, a luxury that was very noticeable last weekend when the team had to skate with just four defenceman for the better part of two games.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, trades are a part of hockey player's career. Sometimes they make sense and sometimes they take a little while to play out but in the end all that we can hope for is that a trade becomes the win-win for everybody involved that it was intended to be. I will miss both Ryan and Board who made a tough decision to come out west to pursue their dream of furthering their hockey careers.

Ryan secured a scholarship to the University of Vermont for next season. As for Board, well he wants a scholarship too but every time I've talked to him he mentioned about playing for a championship team and winning the RBC Royal Bank Cup Championship. Liam will get this opportunity now as a twenty year old next season with the host team of the 2014 RBC Royal Bank Cup in Vernon.