PHOTO: James Doyle
It’s here! Game 1 of the 2022 BCHL Playoffs have arrived for the Prince George Spruce Kings. Tonight, at the RMCA, they’ll welcome the Cranbrook Bucks to town to kick off the first ever BCHL post-season meeting between the two clubs. Both teams enter the opening playoff round with wins in two of their last four games to conclude the regular season. Prince George won the season series, with three wins and two overtime losses.
CRANBROOK BUCKS
OVERVIEW
Head Coach: Ryan Donald
Regular Season Record: 29-20-2-3
Road Record: 13-12-1-1
Last Game: A 4-0 win on home ice over the Wenatchee Wild
Goals For/Goals Against: 169 GF/160 GA
Power-Play: 17% (17th in BCHL)
Penalty-Kill: 78% (13th in BCHL)
Leading Scorers: Tyson Dyck (54GP – 34G – 41A – 75PTS) Noah Quinn (53GP – 26G – 29A – 55PTS) Kellan Hjartarson (54GP – 19G – 17A – 36PTS)
THE PRODUCTION OF TYSON
Tyson Dyck’s first full BCHL season has been a memorable one to say the least. Just 17 years old, the Abbotsford product led his team in points with 75, including 34 goals and 41 helpers. The six-foot 170 pound forward led all rookies in the Interior Conference in points and added seven goals on the power-play. Dyck has collected four goals and a helper against the Spruce Kings in the regular season.
IN THE PIPES
Goaltender Nathan Airey had the bulk of the starts for the Bucks throughout 2021-22. Also from Abbotsford, Airey posted 20 victories this season in 39 games played and sported 2.68 goals against average and .911 save percentage. Airey appeared in four games against the Spruce Kings this season and held a 1-3 record.
PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS
OVERVIEW
Head Coach: Alex Evin
Regular Season Record: 27-15-4-8
Home Record: 14-6-3-4
Last Game: A 4-1 win at home against Salmon Arm
Goals For/Goals Against: 168 GF/129 GA
Power-Play: 22% (6th in BCHL)
Penalty-Kill: 82% (4th in BCHL)
Leading Scorers: Nick Rhéaume (53GP – 29G – 30A – 59PTS) John Herrington (54GP – 24G – 30A – 54PTS) Simon Labelle (54GP – 12G – 32A – 44 PTS)
ITS PLAYOFF MILLER TIME
No member of the Prince George Spruce Kings has appeared in more BCHL playoff games than 2001-born forward Rowan Miller. The pride of Scottsdale, AZ has appeared in 17 playoff games over the past three seasons. In each of his first two seasons in the BCHL, the University of Alaska-Anchorage commit was a member of the Powell River Kings and got to the second round in 2018-19, and then played in five more playoff games the following season. Miller, an alternate captain, has had a career year in his final junior hockey season. Miller has posted a career high 41 points, which includes 22 goals and 19 assists in 53 games.
IN THE PIPES
It’s been no secret that by the numbers, Aaron Trotter and Jordan Fairlie were the top tandem this season in the BCHL. Both goaltenders etched their name in the Spruce Kings history books as Trotter posted a 2.24 goals against average, which puts him tied for third all-time in a single season. The University of St. Thomas commit also won his final game of the regular season which has him again tied for third all-time in goalie wins as a Spruce King. Jordan Fairlie also had a terrific 2021-22, posting 2.01 goals against average, which led all BCHL goaltenders. The Fort St. John product played in 20 games this season, and along with a great goal against average, he also recorded a .918 save percentage.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
IT’S THE PLAYOFFS!!
Before you head to the game this evening, please be advised of the following operational, health, and safety protocols currently in place at the RMCA.
VACCINE PASSPORT AND ID: Make sure to present your vaccine passport and ID at the front glass doors upon arrival to the RMCA.
There are still great seats available, you can secure your seats at the Spruce Kings Office (open from 9-4), or you can grab your seats HERE. If you show up to the Spruce Kings office, come enjoy some free coffee and donuts at the box office!
Tonight’s 50/50 is a BIG ONE and LIVE! The pot will have a $625 bonus prize! You can get your tickets NOW
19+ Know your limit, play within it
Tonight, there will be another mega Chuck-A-Puck at the 2nd Intermission! If you can land your puck on the centre ice dot and keep it there, you will win $1500! Make sure to grab your pucks at the top of section 2.
The beer garden at the RMCA is OPEN ALL PLAYOFFS! Drink prices start at $7.00.
