Game Day at Chilliwack Chiefs

Jeremiah Luedtke has three points (2G, 1A) so far in 2014
and will be looking to add to that total tonight in Chilliwack

The Prince George Spruce Kings are looking at a third attempt to get their first win of 2014. The Spruce Kings started the new year sitting in second place in the Mainland Division with 46 points. Two outings against Island Division teams didn't change that status but didn't do anything to improve it either.

On the heels of Friday's 2-1 loss to the Powell River Kings, the Spruce Kings could not redeem themselves on Saturday night dropping a 5-2 decision to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The home team last night played much better than their record indicated and forced the issue the entire game leaving the Spruce Kings reeling after their 13th loss of the season.

The Spruce Kings pre-Christmas record of 21-11-2-2 was largely the result of hard work in the face of adversity while the team went through a patch of injuries to some key personnel. Although the team has been mostly injury free for the month of December and the start of 2014, the wins have dropped off with only one win in their last four games.

That win came against their divisional oppenent, the Chilliwack Chiefs back on December 20th in Chilliwack. In that game the Spruce Kings exploded for five goals in the second period en route to a 7-2 win. Since then the Spruce Kings have managed only three goals, two from Jeremiah Luedtke and the other from Justin Rai set up by Luedtke.

Since December 20th, the Chiefs have played four games picking up three wins including back-to-back wins against the Surrey Eagles to close out 2013. The other win came a night after the loss to Prince George. In their last game, Chilliwack lost 4-3 in overtime to the Langley Rivermen.

Given the recent turn of events for both teams, it is safe to say that this matchup will not have the same feel as some of the previous meetings. The Chiefs have regained their confidence while the Spruce Kings are hoping for something to turn in their favour.

Prince George has shown the ability to respond after a poor showing and the coaching staff will be looking for that tonight. In last night's game, it was felt that the Spruce Kings were being beat to all the loose pucks and kept to mostly low percentage scoring chances.

Remaining defensively sound while getting back to their own offensive attack will be a priority as a number of players look for their first goals of 2014 and the team, as a whole, looks for their first win in 2014 before returning home for a double header against the Surrey Eagles.

Tonight's game has a scheduled 5pm puck drop and will be broadcast live online with the pay-per-view feed available through Fasthockey.com and a free audio only webcast on the Spruce Kings Mixlr Channel beginning with a pregame show at 4:40pm. Following the game, the team will return home to prepare for their first game in the Coliseum for 2014 on January 10th versus the Surrey Eagles. The game will be sponsored by the four Save On Foods stores in Prince George with some great prizes up for grabs.