Prince George, B.C. – The Prince George Spruce Kings lost their first game in the month of February Saturday night, falling 3-2 to the Nanaimo Clippers at the Coliseum.

The Spruce Kings led 2-1 after one period on goals by Leo Fitzgerald and Jarryd Ten Vaanholt. The middle frame was scoreless and Nanaimo scored at 9:47 and 11:45 of the third for the victory. Brendan Forbes had a goal and an assist for Nanaimo. The Spruce Kings outshot the Clippers 37-31. Kirk Thompson was saddled with the loss in the Spruce Kings’ net. The home club took 8 minor penalties while the visitors were penalized 10 times, including two misconducts.

So the Spruce Kings are 6 and 1 this month with three games to go. They’re on the road next weekend with games Friday at Westside, Saturday in Salmon Arm and Sunday in Penticton to face the high-flying Vees.

The Merritt Centennials beat Chilliwack 4-2 Saturday night to tighten their hold on second place in the Interior Conference. Merritt has 65 points, the Spruce Kings 62.