LANGLEY BC – Goals from Corey Cunningham, Evan Orr, Nick Bochen, and Preston Brodziak, backed up by 29 saves from Carter Woodside was the recipe for another Spruce Kings win as they edged the Langley Rivermen by a 4-3 score at the George Preston Rec Centre in Langley.
In the opening period, it was the Rivermen pressuring early on as they had the game’s first seven shots, but Woodside was able to steady the ship and keep the game scoreless. At 3:50 of the period, Corey Cunningham picked the pocket of the Langley winger and was able to rip the puck top corner on Braedon Fleming to give the Spruce Kings an early 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, the Spruce Kings went to one of their many power-plays and were able to execute. A point shot from Evan Orr went bar down on Fleming to give the Spruce Kings a two-goal lead. Nolan Welsh and Mason Waite were credited with the helpers on the Orr power-play tally. The Spruce Kings again added to their lead as Nick Bochen scored a highlight reel goal zipping all around the ice and eventually found some space and fired it top cheddar on Fleming to give the Spruce Kings a commanding 3-0 lead after the opening period.
In the second period, both teams had minimal Grade A chances and both clubs did not really give up much. Both the Spruce Kings and Rivermen also traded but were unable to convert. The score remained 3-0 after two periods.
In the third, it was the Spruce Kings adding to their lead on the power-play. Andrew Seaman made a silky back door feed to Preston Brodziak who was able to tap it in and score his 15th of the season to make it 4-0 PG. Seaman and Tom Richter were credited with the helpers at 1:54 of the third. The Rivermen, under a minute, later, were finally able to solve goaltender Carter Woodside. A point shot from Jonathan Stein was stopped by Woodside, but the puck shot out to Patrick and he was able to bury his 9th of the season and make it 4-1. The Spruce Kings then went to the power-play, however, it was Kalen Szeto who took the puck away from Nick Bochen at the blue line and ended up scoring shorthanded on a breakaway to cut the lead in half and make it 4-2. The Rivermen weren’t done. With the extra attacker out, and on the power-play, it was again Szeto who redirected a Jake Livingstone point shot, snuck through the legs of Woodside to make it 4-3 at 17:42 of the third. Langley continued to pressure, but a massive shot block from Preston Brodziak and some 50/50 battles were won by the Spruce Kings in the final minutes and that was enough to propel them to a 4-3 win and win their 3rd straight game heading back home next weekend.
The Spruce Kings host the Surrey Eagles next Friday and Saturday night at the RMCA. The Spruce Kings office will open up on Monday at 10AM. You can get your tickets at the office or online at the Spruce Kings website.
3 STARS
- Corey Cunningham (PG)
- Kalen Szeto (LGY)
- Nick Bochen (PG)
FORTIS ENERGY PLAYER OF THE GAME: Matteo Pecchia (LGY)
