We expected a close, entertaining contest and we received nothing less. Prince George and Chilliwack have played 5 one goal game's this season (counting the 4-2 game due to an empty netter) with a couple of those going into overtime. It's obvious that these two squads are very evenly matched and it showed once again tonight. Thankfully for the home town fans, the Spruce Kings stepped their game up when they needed to, and skated away with the victory. It was their second win in a row, as they avenged a loss just six days earlier to the Chiefs.
The first period didn't start out so well for the Spruce Kings though, as Jeremy Gossard put a weak one past Kirk Thompson at 5:21. It was a momentum killer for the Spruce Kings as they were leading in the shots department 10-2 before the opening score. Prince George didn't wait long to answer as Leo Fitzgerald potted his 7th of the season on the power play. Both teams would trade chances, but head into the intermission tied at one.
After an intermission that featured the always entertaining youngsters fall over for five minutes, we were back at it with more of the same. 5:38 into the second Malcolm Gould put home a puck that Kirk Thompson yet again would have liked back. It was another good start for the visiting team, but ultimately it would be their last one of the game. The newest Spruce King Jarryd Ten Vaanholt would get his first with his new team after taking a nice feed from Paul De Jersey. It was his second point of the game for Ten Vannholt, as coach Dave Dupas line shake up was proving to benefit him greatly.
The third period looked like it was going to produce yet another one goal game, but the Spruce kings had other plans as Paul De Jersey fired one five hole on Mitch Gillam just 1 minute in. 15 minutes later Paul De Jersey would split two Chief defenders and put home a beautiful goal to seal the deal. Michael Colantone would add salt to the wound late as the Spruce Kings took home the victory with a 5-2 decision.
It was a great third period for Prince George, which included a couple of fabulous saves from Kirk Thompson to either keep the game tied, or to hold onto the lead. Paul De Jersey continued to prove he has some of the best hands in the league while netting 4 points. Jarryd Ten Vaanholt would have a very nice home debut as well, grabbing 3 points of his own. This was the Spruce Kings first win over Chilliwack at The Castle. It brings the season series to a 3-3 tie
To read the official box score, click here
The Three Stars:
3) (PG) Jarryd Ten Vaanholt - 1 Goal 2 Assists
2) (PG) Ben Matthews
1) (PG) Paul De Jersey 2 - Goals 2 Assists
Next Up:
These two teams will renew the rivalry tomorrow night at the Coliseum. The puck will drop at 7pm as the Spruce Kings look to grab a firm hold of third place in the interior conference. To listen to the FREE audio broadcast tomorrow night, click here
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