Tonight, at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, the Prince George Spruce Kings take to the ice against the Merritt Centennials for their home opener and to kick off the home schedule. The Spruce Kings are coming off a 5–3 setback last Saturday night against the West Kelowna Warriors. John Herrington had two goals in the loss, and Austin Fraser also added a tally late in the third period.
PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS
OVERVIEW
2021-22 Regular Season Record: 1-1-0-0
2021-22 Record vs. MER: 1-0-0-0
Head Coach: Alex Evin
Leading Scorers: Kilian McGregor-Bennett (2 GP – 1 G – 4 A – 5 PTS) John Herrington (2 GP – 4 G – 0 A – 2 PTS) Nick Rhéaume (2 GP – G – 3 A – 3 PTS)
FOX SIGHTING
The Prince George Spruce Kings acquired F Nathan Fox (’02) from the Cranbrook Bucks earlier this week. Fox, from Okotoks, AB, will make his Spruce Kings debut tonight. The 6’0 forward suited up in the 2021 Penticton Pod last spring, finishing with five points in 15 games played.
HUDSON’S HOPE’S FINEST
Spruce Kings forward John Herrington has been filling the back of the net two games into the regular season. The Northern BC product and Lake Superior State commit currently leads second in the BC Hockey League in goals with four. 2 of those goals have been via special teams, one on the power-play, and one shorthanded.
SPRUCE KINGS FACTS
- The line of Kolton Cousins, Kilian McGregor-Bennett, and John Herrington has combined for 11 points in the opening two games.
- Tonight, marks the first regular season game on home ice for Prince George since February of 2020.
MERRITT CENTENNIALS
OVERVIEW
2021-22 Record: 0-2-0-0
Head Coach: Dave Chyzowski
2021-22 Record vs. PG: 0-1-0-0
Leading Scorers: Walker Erickson (2 GP – 1 G – A – 1 PTS) Jerzy Orchard (1 GP – 1 G – 0 A – 1 PTS) Jackson Hungle (2 GP – 0 G – 1 A – 1 PTS)
A PAIR OF PG’ERS
The Centennials have some northern flavour on their roster for the 2021-22 season. Alex Ochitwa is entering his second season with the Centennials. Ochitwa appeared in 18 games in the Chilliwack Pod and finished with two goals and four assists. The other PG product on the Cents roster is forward Blake Astorino. The 20 year old is also entering his second BCHL season, and will make his regular season debut this evening.
CENTENNIALS FACTS
- Walker Erickson and Jerzy Orchard lead the Centennials in goals in two games played this season.
- Blake Astorino makes 2021-22 season debut after sitting out the last two games via suspension
