Spruce Kings Take 2-1 Lead in Salmon Arm

By Kelly Sharp

Long bus rides are nothing new for the northern most team in the BC Hockey League. The Prince George Spruce Kings seemed to take advantage of an 8 hour road trip between game two and three of the BCHL Interior Conference quarter final series against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Kings built a 3-0 lead before a pair of third period Silverbacks power play goals had Prince George hold on for a 3-2 victory in Salmon Arm and a 2-1 lead in the best-of seven.  Jordan Inglis unassisted goal in the second period snapped a scoreless tie, 1:26 later Jason Yuell connected on the power play as Prince George carried a 2-0 lead into the third period. Chris Shudo converted a pass from Jeff Forsythe 1:23 into the third and Prince George was in total control 3-0. But once again penalties cost the Kings as Salmon Arm scored back-to-back power play goals.

“We have to be really careful,” Kings assistant coach Stew Malgunas said. Adding the Spruce Kings are taking too many penalties after the whistle.

Jordan White was solid in the Prince George net. The victory assured the Spruce Kings would play a game six if needed at the Prince George Coliseum next Tuesday. The Kings will carry a 2-1 lead over the Silverbacks into game four Saturday night at the Sunwave Centre in Salmon Arm.

“It’s a very physical series,” Malugnas said. “It’s a war of attrition, who battles the hardest will win.”

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