Spruce Kings Win Overtime Thriller in the Arm

By Kelly Sharp

Tyler Helfrich must have been wondering when his puck luck would change. Salmon Arm goalie Scott Gudmanson frustrated Helfrich in game five and the trend continued in game six. But a vintage power forward move in overtime found net. With one hand on his stick and battling off two defenders, Tyler Helfrich beat Gudmanson to give the Prince George Spruce Kings a 4-3 victory and 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven BCHL Interior Conference quarterfinal.

“He really came to play tonight,” Spruce Kings assistant coach Stew Malgunas said about the Kings leader on offense.

The Spruce Kings power play came to life to score 3 goals, a pair in the second period gave Prince George a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. ( Check Spruce Kings result for goal scorers)

A Salmon Arm power play goal off a misplay by Kings goalie Joe Rodwell early in the third period forced extra time.

Rodwell made some key saves in overtime before the Helfrich winner. ‘Backs goalie Scott Gudmanson continued his strong playoff.

“He is a hecka of goalie,” said Malgunas who watched the Kings build a 27-18 shot on goal edge into the third period.

Game six goes Tuesday night at the Prince George Coliseum, if a seventh game is needed the two teams will be back on the bus for an 8 hour ride to Salmon Arm to faceoff Wednesday evening at the Sunwave Centre.

“Salmon Arm still has a lot of firepower,” added Malgunas. He admitted the Kings have a lot of banged up players.

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