The Prince George Spruce Kings’ silver-medal finish at the 2019 National Junior ‘A’ Championship came with the help of an unexpected star.
Forward Nick Poisson finished as the top goal-scorer at the tournament in Brooks, Alberta and has earned him the B.C. Hockey League’s (BCHL) final 2018-19 selection as Player of the Week.
The 17-year-old rookie potted a goal in all six games at Nationals, including one in the finals loss to the champion-Brooks Bandits and the game-winner in Prince George’s preliminary-round win over the Ottawa Jr. Senators.
Congrats to @SpruceKings F Nick Poisson on being named the final #BCHLPOW of the 2018-19 season. Poisson had a goal in all six #NJAC tournament games for PG.
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) May 20, 2019
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Poisson was also tied for the second-most tournament points, two behind his fellow teammate Dylan Anhorn in first place with eight (one goal, seven assists).
The Vancouver product earned one Player of the Game award in the five-team event, lighting the only lamp for the Spruce Kings in their 3-1 round-robin loss to Brooks.
The National Championships turned out to be a big rebound for Poisson after getting just 10 points in 23 post-season games prior to the tournament, including nine in the BCHL Fred Page Cup playoffs and one in the six-game Doyle Cup series.
During the regular season this past year, the younger brother of Captain Ben Poisson was one of four players to start in all 58 games and recorded 30 points including the fourth-most goals with 14.
Six other Spruce Kings were named Honourable Mentions for the BCHL Player of the Week; Anhorn, Logan Neaton, Ben Brar, Dustin Manz, Chong Min Lee, and Patrick Cozzi.
The City of Prince George is hosting a welcome home celebration for the team today (May 21), 4 p.m. at the Civic Centre as they make the long return from Brooks.
