Prince George, B.C. – The Prince George Spruce Kings took four of a possible six points on the road this weekend, a weekend which saw them clinch their first BCHL playoff berth since 2009.

The Kings scored 6-1 and 4-3 victories in Trail, the second game going to double overtime. And perhaps that caught up to the club a bit as they dropped a 7-3 decision in Vernon Sunday afternoon. The Vipers roared out to a 5-0 lead in the first period, led by Colton Cyr’s hat trick. Ben Gamache had a goal and three assists for the home team in that opening frame. The Spruce Kings got goal from Jarryd Ten Vaanholt and Gerry Fitzgerald in the second period. But Vernon also got a pair to lead 7-2 after two. Tyson Witala closed out the scoring for Prince George at 14:11 of the third. The Spruce Kings scored twice on the power play while the other goal was scored short-handed. One of the Vernon goals came with the man advantage.

The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 23-18. Ty Swabb started in the Prince George net, giving up four goals in eight shots in just under 14 minutes.    Kirk Thompson played the remaining three-quarters of the game and gave up three goals on 15 shots.

So the Spruce Kings come home still in a tie for second place with the Merritt Centennials, each club with 70 points.   The Kings have two games left in the regular season, Merritt three.   And the Centennials definitely have the advantage, closing out their season at home to Salmon Arm before playing a home-and-home set with Trail. The Spruce Kings take on the mighty Penticton Vees at the Coliseum next Friday and Saturday.