Venue: Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Game Time: Saturday November 19th @7pm
With points in their last four games, the Spruce Kings are rolling once again. They’ve scored a combined 12 goals in the last two games, and are having players right through the lineup contributing. The same can be said for the Surrey Eagles who are riding a five game winning streak, and have scored five goals or more in four of those five victories.
Last night Prince George had a massive 6-1 win over the Nanaimo Clippers. What made it even more impressive was the fact that the Spruce Kings hadn’t defeated the Clippers since the season opener of the 2014/15 season. There were six different goal scorers and 10 players picked up points. Making their Spruce Kings debuts were Ben Brar and Ryan Stack (Aris Anagnostopoulos also backed up Tavin Grant for his first BCHL game). Brar who had been acquired just the day before from the Penticton Vees had a strong game, and wound up scoring into an empty net. Ryan Stack was also impressive, and in his first shift drew a penalty to put his side up a man.
This game will be the fourth of the year for the two teams. Prince George swept the home double header back in late October outscoring Surrey 15-4, but fell 2-1 in overtime last week down in the South Surrey Arena. Nick Minerva who was booted from the second game just 17 seconds in played hero at home as he scored the double overtime winner.
BROADCAST LINKS
WATCH on HockeyTV
LISTEN on Mixlr
STANDINGS:
As a divisional game, these count as four points. Surrey on their recent hot stretch sits just three points behind Prince George for 3rd in the Mainland. With a win, Prince George can gain some breathing room, or Surrey can be right on the Spruce Kings heels.
The Mainland division has been a goal scorer’s dream this season, as five of the top six scoring teams are from the mainland division. Prince George has scored 91 goals good for 5th in the league, while Surrey’s 95 has them in 4th. The Spruce Kings have the edge on the defensive side though with 81 goals against in 24 games compared to Surrey’s 90.
WHO TO WATCH:
PRINCE GEORGE:
Ben Brar – FWD: His first game as a Spruce King went well, and the team will see if he can follow that up tonight. Prince George doesn’t have much size up front, so the 6’2 Brar is a welcome addition. He comes from a strong program in Penticton, and will look to add to his offensive output with additional ice time.
Connor Russell – DEF: In not even half the games, Russell has nearly equalled his point production from last season. He was all over the charts last night with a goal, two assists, and two penalties. Prince George will want their minute muncher to stay on the ice tonight, and contribute once again.
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Surrey:
Darius Davidson – FWD: The big forward had a power play goal in the last meeting, and is a huge catalyst for his side. He leads his team in goals (14), points (29) and is a double edged sword on the man advantage with six goals and six assists.
Nick Minerva – DEF: He had a night to forget in the second game against Prince George, but turned things around with the OT winner in Surrey. Minerva is his side’s main setup man, with 18 assists, and 14 of those coming on the power play.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
Spruce Kings vs Coquitlam Express – Friday November 25th, 7pm = Rolling Mox Concrete Arena
Spruce Kings vs Salmon Arm Silverbacks – Friday November 26th, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Spruce Kings vs Chilliwack Chiefs – Thursday December 1st, 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
