Game Day vs Coquitlam Express

Jake LeBrun (8) had a pair of goals last night in a 3-3 tie

Although the game last night ended in a 3-3 tie, it had a little bit of everything and the building was electric! The fans fed off the energy on the ice and the players were fueled by the fans enthusiastic show of support throughout the game.

There was an extended moment of quiet in the building when everybody watched nervously on the ice for signs that Danny Kiraly would be okay. In an end-to-end rush, the rookie defenceman got caught and hit hard into the offensive end boards leaving the 18 year old motionless on the ice.

Kiraly had to be stretchered off the ice and did raise a hand to indicate that he was okay. He was conscious, able to move all limbs and talking in full sentences as he left for the hospital. Hours later he was letting everybody know that other than a few stitches for a cut above the eyebrow and a headache, he was planning on attending today’s game to cheer on the Spruce Kings.

The hit resulted in a five minute major penalty for boarding that the Spruce Kings quickly used to open up a 3-2 lead in the third period after Bryant Christian knocked in the puck six seconds into the powerplay. That goal wouldn’t hold up however as the Coquitlam Express would tie the game in the final minutes on a pinball bounce that got past Alex Murray leading to overtime … that solved nothing despite Prince George having some of the best chances to end it.

The teams traded goals in the opening period with Jake LeBrun scoring early on a powerplay to tie the game 1-1. LeBrun would add another a few minutes later to give the Spruce Kings their only lead of the game but before the end of the opening period, the Express would tie it up. There was no scoring in the second period.

Both teams were flying in this game and had numerous chances with the final shots on goal ending 42-41 in favour of the Spruce Kings. For their efforts between the pipes, Pierce Dushenko of the Express and Alex Murray received first and second stars honours respectfully. Skylar Pacheco picked up the third star while Christian Weidauer was given the FortisBC Energy Player of the Game honours.

Missing Cooper Rush and Karan Toor and then Danny Kiraly, left the blueliners logging a ton of ice time. Through seventy minutes, Mitch Eden, Weidauer and Pacheco logged a lot of ice time and the same can be expected today. The thought is that the Spruce Kings coaching staff will want to work with a game plan that will help to conserve all players energy, because this game has the potential of going the distance again today.

The game 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 2:40pm. Following the game, all fans will be able to skate with the Spruce Kings in a free family skate that goes from the end of the game until 6:15pm. Remember to bring your skates to the game!