There’s no rust in the Prince George Spruce Kings two weeks after its first competitive tune-up ahead of the 2020-21 season.
During its second stint in Merritt Friday night (Oct. 23), the power-play unit stepped up in each period to propel the red, white and blue to a commanding 6-2 win over the Centennials to improve to a 2-0 record in exhibition play.
Returning forward Andrew Seaman combined for a team-high three points, including a goal and an assist on the man-advantage with the eventual game-winner early in the second frame.
The 20-year-old was one of three players with multi-point performances.
Goaltender Jordan Fairlie got the win in his first start between the pipes on Junior ‘A’ ice, stopping 19 of 21 shots.
The icebreaker belonged to the host-Cents 12 minutes into the contest, but was immediately followed 2:29 later by Rowan Miller's second of the preseason while on the power-play from Corey Cunningham and Darwin Lakoduk.
After a 1-1 tie at the first break, the Spruce Kings cashed in on a pair of goals before the mid-way mark of the second period.
Seaman's special teams' goal was potted at 4:44 unassisted, then defenceman Mason Waite fired one into the cage less than five minutes later, receiving helpers from Cunningham and Tanner Main.
Merritt cut the lead to 3-2 before the second intermission, but John Herrington reclaimed Prince George's two-goal advantage 107 seconds into the final stanza with Seaman's second apple of the game.
Main lit the Spruce Kings' third power-play lamp of the evening just after the eight-minute mark from Seaman and Zach Gabruch.
The 6-2 campaign was finalized with Christian Buono's empty-netter with 18 seconds left.
The Spruce Kings will play their first of two exhibition games at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena Sunday afternoon (Oct. 25) at 3 p.m. against Merritt, the third time of five preseason tilts with the Cents.
Prince George Spruce Kings' exhibition schedule ahead of the 2020-21 season. (via BCHL)
