Venue: Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Game Time: Friday December 29th @ 7pm
One point separates the two teams matching up tonight. The Prince George Spruce Kings (16-14-2-2) has one game in hand over the Langley Rivermen (16-14-3-2) but the visitors roll in with the hot streak.
After picking up three of a possible four points against Langley in their last double header, the Spruce Kings went on a road trip before Christmas and emerged with two points. The beat the Coquitlam Express 7-3 on Friday, but then dropped games to the Cowichan Valley Capitals and Victoria Grizzlies. In the win over Coquitlam, Brett Mennear scored a pair of goals including his 50th career marker.
Langley comes in on a seven game point streak, and has won six of the seven games. That included a big 9-4 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs the week leading into the Christmas break. Ryan Barrow had a 14 game point streak heading into the first game against the Spruce Kings, but that was halted.
The last time these two teams met, it was Langley emerging victorious in a controversial 2-1 OTL. Ethan de Jong scored the lone goal which was the Drop the Mitts goal. The night before it was a 5-3 Spruce Kings win after trailing 3-2 30 seconds into the third. Parker Colley had a pair of goals including the game winner and was the first star of the game. Special teams were key for the Spruce Kings in the first series as Langley was shutout on 10 power play opportunities, and the Spruce Kings converted once on five attempts.
BROADCAST LINKS
WATCH on HockeyTV
LISTEN on Mixlr
STANDINGS:
In the standings, both teams have space on each side of them so the early assumption is that the pair will be fighting it out for third and fourth in the division. After defeating the Wenatchee Wild last night, the Chilliwack Chiefs are 12 points up on the Rivermen, and the Surrey Eagles rest eight points behind Prince George who have a pair of games in hand.
WHO TO WATCH:
PRINCE GEORGE:
Tavin Grant – G: Hopefully Grant got some rest over the holidays, as he played in every game since taking over for an injured Stefan Wornig. Leading into the final two road trip games, Grant had allowed more than 3 goals just once in the past 11 games. In two games against the Rivermen this season, Grant has allowed five goals.
Tyler Anderson – DEF: With a goal on the Island against the Cowichan Valley Capitals, Anderson now has some insurance on first in the BCHL for goals amongst defensemen. His 10 have him atop the group two over Connor McCarthy of the Chiefs and Trevor Cosgrove in Alberni Valley.
LANGLEY:
Cooper Leitch – FWD: The London Ontario native started his career with the Spruce Kings, but was traded to the Trail Smoke Eaters and has now made his way to the Langley Rivermen as their Captain. He has one assist this season against his former club.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
Spruce Kings vs Langley Rivermen – Friday December 30th, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Spruce Kings @ Powell River Kings – Friday January 6th, 7:15pm – Hap Parker Arena
Spruce Kings @ Alberni Valley Bulldogs – Saturday January 7th, 7:15pm – Weyerhaeuser Arena
