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Spruce Kings make short work out of short-staffed Eagles

The Prince George Spruce Kings did their part this weekend, clinching a pair of key victories against the Surrey Eagles.

A dominant 5-0 win on Friday was followed up by a 3-1 victory tonight completing a four-game homestand at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.

With as many as eight regulars out of the lineup, the Spruce Kings tired out a shorthanded Eagles squad outshooting them 42-11 when the final buzzer sounded.

Patrick Cozzi, Tyler Schleppe and Layton Ahac all found the back of the net for the home side in game two of the double dip.

Keenan Rancier only needed to make 10 saves to preserve the victory.

On Friday, it was the so-called checking line of Lucas Vanroboys, Corey Cunningham and Tyler Schleppe stealing the show, sweeping all three star selections.

“I think we all just show up to the rink everyday and work really hard, we all play a role on the team and we may not get on the scoresheet every night but when we do, we really impact the team in a positive way,” said Vanroboys.

Even though the 19-year-old only has three assists in seven games since being acquired by the Cowichan Valley Vanroboys has been the perfect fit with his speed and grittiness along the boards all while wearing down the opposition.

“I feel like I am just a guy that will give them a little bit more space and I’ll take a hit to make a play and use my speed to drive someone wide and open up someone in the slot.”

Cunningham was the benefactor of the yeoman’s work by Vanroboys putting home his seventh of the season in the third period.

The 17-year-old local product noticed the chemistry between the three early on and is translating well on the ice.

“We always communicate with ourselves, the puck always gets dumped in the corner and we always sort out whose going to the puck, who is going to the net and who has the high-guy, we clicked as soon as we get to practice.”

Nick Bochen, Nick Poisson, Dustin Manz and Schleppe also scored for the Spruce Kings.

Despite the series, sweep, Prince George remains seven back of the Mainland  Division lead as the Chilliwack Chiefs remain in first.

The Spruce Kings are back in action on Monday against Langley.