This afternoon the Spruce Kings will look to accomplish something that hasn't happen since November 5th of last year. That thing, is beating the high flying Penticton Vees. The Vees have been almost untouchable this season, using their success to become the top Junior A team in all of Canada. With a balanced set of forwards, a solid back end and a goaltender that has been playing outstanding, the Vees don't seem to have a weakness. To beat Penticton, you must play a solid, full 60 minutes, and even then you may not come out on top.
But stats and places in the standings won't scare away a determined Spruce Kings squad that is looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time in 2 years. After all, Prince George is one of five teams to defeat Penticton this season. It was a win that could b called most important win this season as Michael Colantone scored the double overtime winner with .2 seconds left on the clock. It was a win that propelled them to 5 straight victories and 20-13-2-2 record afterward. The Spruce Kings and the Vees have played just once since that moment, a 4-0 win for Penticton last Saturday.
The bad for the Spruce Kings today, they will play yet again with a short roster. Prince George will dress just 9 forwards and 5 defencemen due to injuries. Every player will be required to double shift throughout the game, making it that much harder to stop the speedy Vees. Stellar goal tending will be essential to come away with a win tonight, it's not known who sill start at the moment, but both men best be mentally prepared.
An interesting stat to go forward with, this afternoons meeting will feature 9 of the top 10 leading scorers in the league. The Spruce Kings own only two of them, but one of those men, Paul De Jersey, leads it.
The Season Series:
Prince George: 1-3-0-0
Penticton: 3-0-0-1
Click here to check the Interior Conference Standings
Game Time:
These two will meet three more times this season, February 26th, March 11th and 12th. The question is though, will the Vees have made history by then, breaking the record for most consecutive wins, or will Prince George be able to stop the runaway train that is Penticton. It should also be noted, that the Spruce Kings are able to get back into the playofs, the Vees are a team they could meet in the first round. Today, they find themselves down 4 players, but sometimes, that's the way it goes. It's how you stand up to that adversity that people will remember. Go Spruce Kings
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