ABOUT US
The Prince George Spruce Kings are a community owned team since the mid 70’s that is ran through a board of directors. The model has served the team and the community well providing family entertainment for over 40 seasons. During that time the team has evolved into a destination team for young men looking for an opportunity to play junior hockey at the highest level available in Canada. The Prince George Spruce Kings first started playing in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the 1996-97 season. The BCHL offers young players a chance to enhance their skills while also providing a great deal of exposure to NCAA, CIS and NHL hockey scouts. The BCHL has an impressive record at the National level and is viewed as one of the premier Junior “A” leagues by US College Recruiters and is gaining exposure with the National Hockey League.
Beginning with the 2021-22 season, the Spruce Kings will play out of the Interior Conference. The Interior Conference consists of nine teams, while the Coastal Conference also has nine teams. The other clubs in the league include: Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Chilliwack Chiefs, Coquitlam Express, Cowichan Valley Capitals, Langley Rivermen, Merritt Centennials, Nanaimo Clippers, Penticton Vees, Powell River Kings, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Surrey Eagles, Trail Smoke Eaters, Vernon Vipers, Victoria Grizzlies, Wenatchee Wild and West Kelowna Warriors.
The Spruce Kings Executive work hard year-round to ensure Junior “A” Hockey exists and thrives in BC’s Northern Capital. The Hockey Club is financed through gate receipts, corporate sponsorship, a summer hockey school and gaming.
Community Involvement
The Spruce Kings are a high profile sports club in the City and are often asked to take part in various functions. Players have participated in events like the Skate for Literacy, Minor Hockey practices, Civic Centre Christmas Tree Light-Up and more. In addition players go to elementary schools for volleyball or floor hockey and work with School District 57 and the Prince George Public Library to promote positive lifestyles and the importance of education.
As role models for the thousands of youth in the City and surrounding region, players must conduct themselves in a respectable manner at all times.
Education
The Spruce Kings place a high priority on a player’s education and are committed to providing him the opportunity to gain graduation from public school and an opportunity to gain a post-secondary education through his hockey career. We work closely with School District counselors to ensure graduation requirements are completed and that the player attends his classes.
The Spruce Kings provide the opportunity to players to attend the two post-secondary education institutions in Prince George, the College of New Caledonia or the University of Northern British Columbia. The College of New Caledonia provides education opportunities in the university transfer, technical and vocational programs. The University of Northern BC opened in 1994 and provides degree programs in several areas. Calendars for both institutions are available from the Spruce King’s office.
A player’s university or college registration, tuition and books are paid for by the Spruce Kings Hockey Club based on the successful completion of each course or program
BILLET FAMILIES:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have always been very fortunate with how generous the community of Prince George has been to them. This is most evidently seen through our billet gamily program.
Each year, many families are kind enough to give our players an opportunity for appropriate rest, eat a nice home cooked meal, which allows them to work towards the dream of becoming an NCAA Division 1/National Hockey League player. The Spruce Kings have had several players go on to play NCAA Division 1 Hockey, get drafted, and go on to play in the professional ranks. It is so ever important for Junior Hockey Club’s to have local families open their hearts and their homes for a few months. Through this experience, many of these players create lasting memories and keep in touch with their host family beyond their time in Prince George.
The Spruce Kings are always looking for new families within our community. If you are interested in becoming a host family, please contact the Spruce Kings office at 250-564-1747, or email marketing@sprucekings.bc.ca.
Medical
The general health and well being of each player is a major concern with the Spruce Kings staff. Each player’s health is monitored by our professional training staff and other health care professionals. The Club is insured through the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. Medical expenses due to hockey not covered by BC Medical will be paid by our coverage. Arrangements are made with local doctors to take out-of-town players as their patients. In addition to our training staff we have a health care professional in attendance at all of our home games. Any prescriptions are paid by the Hockey Club.
Equipment
The Spruce Kings cover many of the expenses incurred while you play junior hockey. The club provides equipment and supplies such as helmet, pants, gloves, sweater and socks as well as the sticks and tape you require.
About Prince George
Prince George is one of the largest cities in the province and is the service centre for northern British Columbia. With more than 81,000 residents, Prince George is a modern metropolis which is the commercial, economic and social centre for the region. The city provides excellent facilities for the many activities that residents are involved in. In addition, there are vibrant shopping areas and a central business district. The area offers outdoor activities during each of our four distinct seasons. With the development of the University of Northern BC, The College of New Caledonia, Civic Centre, CN Centre and Aquatic Centre, Prince George is well positioned to maintain it’s standing as BC’s northern capital.
