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A leader’s return ends in triumph for Prince George Spruce Kings

Nolan Welsh scores hat-trick, overtime winner in first game back from injury
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer

The captain came back with a statement Friday night (Oct. 18), and it sure looked pretty in pink.

Nolan Welsh single-handedly lifted the Prince George Spruce Kings to its fifth win of the 2019-20 season by recording his first career B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) hat-trick, which included the overtime-winning goal in the 3-2 victory on home ice over Chilliwack.

The 20-year-old veteran’s night on the scoresheet also consisted of a short-handed goal and one on full strength, and were also his first three goals of the new year.

Goaltender Jett Alexander had a busy night, stopping 35 of the 37 shots he faced during Cancer Awareness Night at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena (RMCA).

On the other side, Chiefs netminder Mathieu Caron made 27 saves on 30 shots from the defending BCHL champions.

Welsh began his hatty quest nearly eight minutes into his return, capitalizing while on a penalty kill and taking a pass from Nick Poisson to get there.

The score stood 1-0 after 20, and the Welsh came back with his second of the night at 6:16 of the second period, thanks to the helpful hands of Corey Cunningham, his first of two in the multi-point game, and Ryan McAllister.

Chilliwack, who are currently sitting second in the Mainland Division, darted back quickly in the same frame and potted two goals within a five-minute span.

The final stanza of regulation time solved nothing and Prince George was forced into three-on-three additional time, when Captain Welsh drew the dagger just 69 seconds in.

Prince George’s record improves to 5-6-2-1, but still remain fourth in their division.

The Spruce Kings wrap-up the weekend doubleheader with Chilliwack tonight (Oct. 19) with puck-drop at 7 p.m.