The Spruce Kings have got some work to do if they want a shot at repeating a run for the Fred Page Cup.
The 2020 B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) playoffs began this weekend for Prince George, but, unfortunately, came out on the wrong end of the first two games of their best-of-seven series with Trail.
Despite both contests involving comebacks, the Smoke Eaters have taken a 2-0 first-round lead with the series shifting to northern B.C. early this week.
Both Friday (Feb. 27) and Saturday (Feb. 28) ended in 2-1 decisions, including one in overtime.
Defenceman Nick Bochen recorded a team-high two points in the West Kootenay city, while goaltender Jett Alexander combined for 56 saves on 60 shots.
Both Spruce Kings’ goals came from special teams.
Friday’s was the first of the evening with 2:34 left in the opening period from Bochen and the lone assist going to Mason Waite.
The 1-0 lead lasted until within the final five minutes of regulation, when the Smokies potted two goals in an 85-second span.
Last night, Fin Williams tied the score to 1-1 with 5:44 left in Game Two, the helpers from Nock Bochen and Captain Nolan Welsh, and forced the extra frame.
However, Trail’s Owen Ozar put a backhand shot over Alexander for the 2-0 cushion heading up north for the next two tilts at least.
Prince George’s Rolling Mix Concrete Arena (RMCA) will host Games Three and Four on Monday (March 2) and Tuesday (March 3) respectively, both with 7 p.m. puck-drops.
If the Spruce Kings were to win one of them, a Game Five would be played at the RMCA on Thursday (March 5).
