(Photo Courtesy: Chuck Chin)
PRINCE GEORGE- The Prince George Spruce Kings got themselves back into the win column Friday night at Kopar Memorial Arena, defeating the Vernon Vipers 3-2.
Friday’s match was the fifth time the Spruce Kings (24-18-4-1) and the Vipers (17-24-3-3) met, with the Kings extending their season series lead over the Vipers 4-1.
Aidan Feddema earned his fourth win of the season, turning in a 19-save performance.
Jack Kurrle opened the scoring for the Spruce Kings off an assist from Ben Lefranc. Two minutes later, Ty Gagno tapped the puck out of mid-air, putting it past goaltender Roan Clarke to double the Spruce Kings lead.
In the second period, Spruce Kings captain Colton Cameron put Prince George on the penalty kill twice. The Spruce Kings killed off both penalties in spite of an increased offensive effort from Vernon. Vernon’s Griffin Brar scored his first goal of the season bringing the Vipers within a goal towards the end of the second period.
In the third period, Vernon came on strong and tied the game at 2:25 into the period with a goal from defenceman Connor Elliott.
After some back-and-forth action, the teams clashed in a scrum in the Kings’ end, resulting in a couple of penalties for both teams including a misconduct for Spruce Kings defenceman Amran Bhabra.
With 3:37 remaining in the third period, the Kings found themselves on the powerplay. Gagno scored his second of the night, ensuring the victory for the Spruce Kings.
The two teams face off again Saturday night at 7:00 pm at the Kopar Memorial Arena to finish off the weekend doubleheader.
GAME SUMMARY:
Scoring
Spruce Kings: Kurrle, Gagno (2)
Vipers: Barr, Elliott
Goaltending
Spruce Kings: Aidan Feddema (W) 60:00 (2GA, 19 saves)
Vipers: Roan Clarke (L) 60:00 (3GA, 17 saves)
Power-play
Spruce Kings: 2/2 (100%)
Vipers: 0/3 (0%)
Shots
Spruce Kings: 20
Vipers: 21
Next Game
Spruce Kings: Saturday, March 4th versus the Vernon Vipers at Kopar Memorial Arena in Prince George, BC.
