The Prince George Spruce Kings have dipped into the Ontario talent pool.
The Kings have signed 20-year-old forward Nicholas Papineau to spice up the offence.
Papineau, a five-foot-10, 160-pound native of Ottawa from Gatineau, Que., had nine goals and 26 points in 21 games this season in the Central Canadian Hockey League with the Nepean Raiders.
In 124 games over the past 2 ½ seasons with the Raiders he scored 35 goals and had 40 assists for 75 points.
“Nicolas is a veteran player who was the captain of his team,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes.
“He possesses great speed and good offensive abilities. We’re excited to have him. He’s a great addition to our group.”
The Spruce Kings have averaged just three goals per game this season and their offence ranks fifth-worst in the 21-team BC Hockey League.
News of Papineau’s signing comes day after the Kings fired head coach Alex Evin, after eight seasons with the team.
Evin, 37, was with the Spruce Kings for 7 ½ seasons.
He served two years as associate coach, helping the Kings win their first BCHL championship in 2019, and took on the head coaching job the following season.
Associate coach Brad Tesink takes on the role as interim head coach.
The Spruce Kings (6-12-2-1, ninth in Coastal Conference) are on the road this weekend for games in Coquitlam on Friday and Langley on Saturday.
