Saturday, February 18, 2012

A Tough 3rd Period Leaves a Sour Taste

Their was good news and bad news coming out of tonight's game. The good, over 2100 fans took in the contest, a capacity crowd. The bad, they unfortunately were not able to witness the Spruce Kings seventh win in a row. The crowd was buzzing for the start of the contest, both for the chance to see the Spruce Kings, as well, everyone in attendance had a chance to go home with a brand new truck. The anticipation was at a maximum, and the first period did not disappoint as number 9 in your program opened up the scoring against his former club with a filthy goal. His brother Myles would add the only assists, and the crowd was quickly showed just how talent these bunch of players can be.

The lead would only last for about seven minutes though as the games eventual first star, Brenden Forbes, put a puck past Kirk Thompson that he most certainly wanted back. It was a dirty goal, but the Clippers didn't care, they were on the board. Two minutes later though, Jarryd Ten Vaanholt would intercept a clearing attempt and score an even filthier goal that Leo Fitzgerald did earlier. All in all, it was an entertaining period of hockey that saw the Spruce Kings as the aggressors.

The second period didn't see any goals scored, but it saw a ton of penalties and chippy play from both sides. It was apparent that neither team wanted to give up the lone contest of the season to the other. But, it was the Clippers who proved to want it more in the third. Not only did the score the only goals of the period, they carried most of the play, attacking from all angles. The tying goal and the eventual game winners came just 1:58 apart, as Graeme McCormick and Mason Blacklock helped pushed the Clippers to victory.

It was a disappointing end to a game that had so much buzz around it. The trucks were not given away, as the fans missed on the shoot to win, and the Kings came up empty handed. A big amount of the credit should go to Nanamio's defensive play and game plan tonight. IN their own zone, the entire Clipper squad constantly had active sticks that were breaking up passes and shots. In the Spruce Kings zone, they were often found cycling the puck and creating good scoring opportunities while wearing down Prince George. AS the game went on, you could see that the Spruce Kings were fatigued from the Clippers hard work and from the emotional win they endured just last night. Credit Nanamio's goaltender Bill Faust as well, as he stood tall when they needed him to be.

For a complete recap of the box score and to see the three stars, click here

Next Up:

The Spruce Kings now have all week to think over this loss and get prepared for a 3 game road trip. Next weekend they will face Westside, Salmon Arm and Penticton over a three day period. Thanks again to all the fans who helped make tonight a sell out crowd. Go Spruce Kings

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