Photo Credit: Chris Fowler
SALMON ARM- It was yet another battle between the Spruce Kings and the Silverbacks at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.
It was the fourth match-up between the two teams this season. While there was plenty of action, the Spruce Kings ultimately lost the war in Salmon Arm 4-2.
The Kings came out flying in the first period and were rewarded early. Brogan McNeil (’06) scored his first goal of the season on a breakaway, beating Silverbacks goalie Eli Pulver (’03) on the low blocker side. The goal, would also be good for McNeils’ first career BCHL tally.
The Silverbacks would answer over five minutes later when Issac Lambert (’03) scored his fourth goal of the season.
Seconds later, the Spruce Kings would take their lead right back. Quinn Disher (’03), who was back in the lineup Saturday after missing Friday in Vernon, scored his first goal of the season on a backhand shot that beat Pulver on the blocker side. 2-1, the score after 20 minutes at the Shaw Centre.
The score would remain 2-1 for the majority of the game. In the second period, the only marks on the box score were penalties. The best chance of the period came short-handed for the Silverbacks when Maddux Martin (’05) broke away but couldn’t beat Spruce Kings starting goalie Marcus Ouellet (’03), who was incredible for Prince George Saturday.
Ultimately, the Spruce Kings would allow three goals in the third period, which led to their 4-2 loss. Tristan Allen (’03) and Reid Varkonyi (’06) would tie and take the lead with their goals in the third. Finally, Casy Laylin (’04) would dump his fourth goal of the season into the yawning cage.
As mentioned earlier, Marcus Ouellet was steller for the Spruce Kings on Saturday. He faced 43 shots, with the majority coming in the second and third periods. The Toronto, Ontario, native made highlight reel save after highlight reel save and kept the Kings in a game in which Salmon Arm controlled the pace of play for the final 40 minutes.
Game Summary
Scoring
Prince George: B. McNeil (1), Q. Disher (1)
Salmon Arm: I. Lambert (4), T. Allen (3), R. Varkonyi (5), C. Laylin (4)
Goaltending
Marcus Ouellet: (L) 59:17 (3GA 40 Saves)
Eli Pulver: (W) 60:00 (2GA 18 Saves)
Power-play
Prince George: 0/2
Salmon Arm: 0/2
Next Game: The Prince George Spruce Kings will return home for the first time since October 21, 2023. The West Kelowna Warriors will make their way to Kopar Memorial Arena for two games against the Spruce Kings.
