When: Thursday October 20th, 2016 @7pm
Where: Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Wins have been tough to come by against the Chilliwack Chiefs (9-3-2-0) for the Prince George Spruce Kings (4-8-0-1). The last 13 times these two teams have met, it’s been Chilliwack coming away the victors. The last time PG beat them was December 5th 2014. Last year the Chiefs were 6-0 against Prince George, swept them in the 2014-15 playoffs, and won the final three games of that season.
The Spruce Kings outshot their opponents 104-38 last weekend, and outscored their opponents 8-1, but didn’t do the best job of evening out their goals as they scored all eight goals Friday against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in an 8-0 rout. Sunday the goals dried up, as the team heavily outplayed the Powell River Kings, but an unlucky goal for the visitors was all they needed for a 1-0 victory.
There were six goal scorers for Prince George Friday night as they had two goals each from Tyler Anderson and Connor Russel, then singles from Jarod Hovde (GWG), Tanner Campbell, Travis Schneider, and Brett Mennear.
Chilliwack may have some tired legs to start the game as they just played the Vernon Vipers last night. The game went longer as usual going into double overtime where the Vipers emerged victorious with a win. Powell River coming into Prince George were heavily outplayed to begin the game, and the Spruce Kings will look to take advantage of some tired legs tonight. Chilliwack has seen plenty of games go the distance lately with three of their last seven going to OT. After a rough 8-2 loss at the hands of the Surrey Eeagle to close out September, the Chiefs have points in all seven games they’ve played in October.
STANDINGS:
It’s a Mainland battle tonight, and the first time this season the Spruce Kings will play a divisional team besides the Wenatchee Wild. While it looks like the Chiefs and Wild will once again fight for first, the three-six spot is a bit of a log jam. The Langley Rivermen sit at 11 points after 14 games while the Express are now tied with them after defeating the West Kelowna Warriors last night. The Spruce Kings are just two points back after 13 games. The Surrey Eagles lasted until overtime on Sunday, and are one point behind PG and Coquitlam.
With a win, Prince George will move into a tie with Langley and Coquitlam for third, but are ahead of Coquitlam thanks to fewer games played. They will be behind the Rivermen who have a better goals for/against plus/minus.
At the top of the division sits the Wenatchee Wild. That’s a spot the Chiefs have held for three consecutive years, and likely don’t want to give up. Chilliwack has played an extra three games, and are still one point behind the Wild who play Surrey tonight, and Coquitlam tomorrow.
STREAKS:
The Spruce Kings have had two games in a row firing 50+ shots on net.
Chilliwack’s Colin Bernard is on a league high seven game streak with collecting at least one penalty.
Chiefs have points in their last seven games, second best behind the Wenatchee Wild who have points in all 11 games this season.
WHO TO WATCH:
PRINCE GEORGE:
Cavin Tilsley – FWD: After hitting a post that could have tied the game on Sunday afternoon, look for Tilsley to come out with some fire this week. The Delta forward has two goals on the season, but has had a number of opportunities for more this season. Look for him to start converting as he is definitely putting himself in the right spots.
Liam Watson-Brawn – DEF: From being eased into things, to being put on the top pairing with Adam Burnett, LWB has been stellar this season. He may not make your eyes pop with dazzling offensive numbers, but isn’t afraid to throw his weight around, and makes smart pinches from the blue line to keep plays alive.
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CHILLIWACK CHIEFS
Jordan Kawaguchi – FWD: To say he feasted on the Spruce Kings last year would be a massive understatement. Last year the forward put up 83 points in 56 games. 18 came against Prince George in just six games. Playing three games in the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena he had six goals and four assists.
Connor McCarthy- DEF: Sitting third in scoring for BCHL defensemen, the Clarkson has cooled off in recent weeks. He started with nine points in his first five games, but has just three in his last eight games. In six games last year against the Spruce Kings, he had just one assist.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
Spruce Kings vs Surrey Eagles – Saturday October 22nd, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Spruce Kings vs Surrey Eagles – Sunday October 23rd, 3pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Spruce Kings vs Coquitlam Express – Friday October 28th, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
