Venue: Frank Crane Arena
Game Time: Sunday January 8th @ 2pm
The Spruce Kings need two points. Langley sits one point ahead, and after today’s game against the Nanaimo Clippers, Prince George will be even in terms of games played. The Rivermen have been hot lately beating the island leading Victoria Grizzlies on Friday, before falling to the Chilliwack Chiefs last night.
Prince George has struggled this roadtrip, losing 10-4 to the Powell River Kings followed up by a 4-1 loss last night at the hands of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Both teams were dominated by the Spruce Kings up in in the Rolling Mix Concrete, but injuries up front have limited the Spruce Kings attack.
The Nanaimo Clippers have played the Spruce Kings once this season, falling 6-1 in the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena. Prince George outshot the visitors 37-24 and had six different goal scorers. Tyler Anderson, Jarod Hovde, Chong Lee, Ben Brar, Jamie Huber, and Connor Russell scored the goals. It was Brar’s first game as a Spruce King, and he scored into an empty net one day before his birthday. Spencer Hewson had the lone tally for the Clippers. Both teams were 0 for 3 on the power play.
Speaking of special teams, the Spruce Kings streak of six straight games with a goal on the man advantage was snapped last night after going 0 for 7. The team has allowed a power play goal in each of their last six games now after allowing one against the Bulldogs.
Since the Christmas break, Nanaimo holds a record of 1-2. They started with a pair of losses, but beat the Capitals 2-1 on Friday night.
BROADCAST LINKS
WATCH on HockeyTV
LISTEN on Mixlr
WHO TO WATCH:
PRINCE GEORGE:
Ben Poisson – FWD: Three goals in his last five games, and Poisson is certainly one to watch. His latest against the Powell River wasn’t the prettiest, but a sprawling play showed the effort this rookie has to score. A powerful slap shot has also netted him a pair of goals since going top shelf in Victoria.
Brett Mennear – Sam De Melo: Outside of time on the penalty kill we haven’t seen a lot of De Melo this trip, but look for him to emerge tonight. He’s a key shot blcoker, and a quick skater. Look for his speed to generate some opportunities this afternoon.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
Spruce Kings vs Vernon Vipers – Wednesday January 11th, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Spruce Kings vs Chilliwack Chiefs – Friday January 13th, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Spruce Kings vs Chilliwack Chiefs – Saturday January 14th, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
