Exhibition Weekend vs. Merritt

     This weekend marked the first exhibition games for both the Merritt Centennials and the Prince George Spruce Kings. The teams each came away a victory, both taking a win while on the road.

     First, on Friday night the two teams played in Prince George where the Spruce Kings dropped a 7-4 decision (with one goal coming as a result of an empty net). That was a bit more of a young stars game though, as between the two teams there was one player born in 1996, and others were all born in 97, 98, or 99.  The Spruce Kings never trailed going into the third period tied at four goals apiece. The Centennials were sparked by power play goals though, and Josh Tetlichi who came in to play the second half of the game in net, and didn't allow a single past him.

     The bright spots for the team though were the play and chemistry of Cavin Tilsley and Parker Colley. The pair each scored a goal in the game, and then assisted on one another’s goals.

     Looking for revenge, the team headed out for Merritt the next morning. After a long bus ride, and a dinner at Whitespot in Kamloops, the team arrived at Nicole Valley Arena. Some of the guys from the East who hadn't done the drive before marvelled at what a nice drive it was coming down the valley to Merritt. The arrival time was sooner than expected, so the team browsed around the rink, and grabbed some snacks nearby. Finally before they started their official warmup, they juggled a soccer ball amongst themselves.

     Game two had Merritt suiting up a young lineup similar to the previous night, but the Spruce Kings wanting to get chemistry boiling for the season played a much more experienced team that was close to what the opening day roster will look like. They wound up taking a 4-1 decision, and the top line of Corey Hoffman centring Jake LeBrun and Luc Soares sparkled. Soares scored twice and added an assist, Hoffman potted the first goal of the game and had two assists, and captain LeBrun chipped in two assists himself. Alex Brooks-Potts had a solid game in net, and the defence in front of him did a good job of limiting chances.

     Coming up this week, Prince George will travel to Grand Prairie on Tuesday, and then play host to the Vernon Vipers on Friday before playing the team again on Saturday in Vernon. Friday’s game against the Vipers will also be broadcast on FASTHockey.

The New Kings: Parker Colley

     Not all blossoming hockey players have someone with personal expereince to turn to. That's the case for Parker Colley though, as his brother Boston has two years of Junior B experience to pass on. 

Parker Colley, pictured left, with his brother Boston

     Parker said in an interview that his brother has a big influence on his game, and has also helped him prepare for this season in junior hockey. Last season, Parker led the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs in scoring with 64 points in just 40 games which placed him third overall in BC Major Midget League scoring.  Then in a single game with his hometown Ridge Meadows Flames, Parker managed to pickup an assist.

     Here is a little more to know about Parker, with his life both on, and off the ice.

What are you most looking forward to this season with the Spruce Kings?

"I'm most looking forward to the home games because of what I've heard about the fans, and how loud they get for the team"

What do you think you'll bring to the team this season?

"I think what I bring best to the team is my speed, and my vision to be able to make good and smart plays."

Have you set any goals for this season?

"My goal this season is to go far in the playoffs and to hopefully put up good numbers and just learn about the league and how it works."

Favourite music/song?

Favourite music: country; favourite song: Homegrown - Zach brown band

Who's your favourite NHL team?

"The Pittsburgh penguins because of all the skill they have and they are fun to watch."

How are you looking forward to all the bus rides that playing for Prince George entails?

"Bus rides should be fun because those are the times when you get to be with the boys and bond with them."

What do you think of newly named captain Jake LeBrun?

"Jake has been good you can tell that he is a good leader and will help the team out a lot this year."

What's the biggest difference you've noticed so far in the BCHL?

"The pace of everybody on the ice is a lot faster and the guys are bigger and more skilled."

Favourite hockey memory?

"Favourite hockey memory winning the provincial championship last year with the north east chiefs."

Outside of hockey, what have you been up to this summer?

"Mostly just golfing in the offseason."