A touchdown, a shutout, a natural hat-trick… and that’s just Game One.
The Prince George Spruce Kings rolled out the highlight reel in the opening match of the Mainland Division Finals Friday night (March 15), defeating the Chilliwack Chiefs 7-0 at the Prospera Centre.
You’d think this type of contest would bring out series-ending implications, but this was only the start between these two clubs, as the red, white, and blue take an early 1-0 lead.
Goaltender Logan Neaton recorded his first career B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) playoff shutout, stopping all 19 shots he faced.
The Chiefs split their two netminders in the tilt, replacing Daniel Chenard with Nolan Hildebrand after allowing five goals on 22 shots.
Forward Dustin Manz recorded a natural hat-trick in a span of six-and-a-half minutes starting with 57 seconds left in the first period to give the Spruce Kings a 2-0 lead.
🚨 NIFTY GOAL ALERT 🚨
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) March 16, 2019
Dustin Manz with the slick hands, as the @SpruceKings break through twice in the final five minutes of the first period to take a 2-0 lead in Chilliwack. #BCHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/y0oUI2wkrl
Captain Ben Poisson got the opening goal of the game more than two minutes before that marker.
Manz didn’t waste time in scoring his second of the game less than 60 ticks into the middle frame.
The 19-year-old would complete the rare feat of three consecutive goals at the 5:36 mark of the same stanza while his team was shorthanded.
NATURAL HAT-TRICK 🎩🎩🎩
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) March 16, 2019
The @SpruceKings (specifically Dustin Manz) are pouring it on against Chilliwack, up 4-0 at the midway point. pic.twitter.com/RcbOXcq7gx
Prince George got to their 7-0 lead before the end of the period, thanks to goals from Nick Bochen and Dylan Anhorn (2).
The Spruce Kings were able to stave off any Chilliwack opportunity ending in a scoreless third period.
Ben Brar, Patrick Cozzi, and Lucas Vanroboys all recorded multi-point games as well, each nabbing two assists in the victory.
Prince George will try to have the 2-0 series advantage before heading back up Highway 97 to B.C.’s northern capital if they can win tonight (March 16).
Game Two puck-drop goes for 7 p.m.
