It was a showcase of what’s to come this year for the Prince George Spruce Kings, even with the added pressure of defending a B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) championship.
Despite Tuesday night’s (Aug. 27) contest with Merritt being an exhibition match, the ‘Kings battled a tough Centennials core en route to a 5-3 win at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena (RMCA) in their first competitive game since the 2019 National Championship final.
While some returning players contributed to the scoring, one of the castle’s newest subjects stood out in lighting the lamp twice in his Junior ‘A’ debut.
Brett Pfoh came alive in the middle frame, giving the red, white, and blue 2-1 and 3-2 leads and both goals coming within a span of under four minutes.
His second would turn out to be the game-winner, giving Prince George its 21st consecutive victory in their barn since the start of 2019.
Three other ‘Kings also showed the RMCA crowd of under 400 why they’re back for another go-round in the northern capital.
The line of Chong Min Lee, Nick Poisson, and Finlay Williams recorded a combined eight points, each scoring one goal throughout the tilt with Merritt.
Lee and Poisson had three-point nights, adding two assists each.
Prince George’s new go-to goaltender Jett Alexander made 28 saves on 31 shots from the Cents.
The Spruce Kings will now travel to Merritt for the second of the home-and-home exhibition series, taking place Friday at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena at 7 p.m.
The Fred Page and Doyle Cup-season defense begins a week later, Sept. 6, when the ‘Kings open 2019-20 at home against the Surrey Eagles.
HIGHLIGHTS: Miss tonight's action? We got you covered! Here are our goal highlights from tonight's game!#GetInTheMix pic.twitter.com/X3QES3xug3
— Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) August 28, 2019
