Photo Courtesy: Garrett James

By Ethan Ready

Undefeated against Merritt

Spruce Kings fend off Centennials in 4-3 effort

Apr 19, 2021 | 7:53 PM

CHILLIWACK, BC – Andrew Seaman’s pod leading 8th goal ends up being the difference-maker as the Prince George Spruce Kings kept their undefeated streak against the Merritt Centennials intact Monday night in a 4-3 victory.

In the first period, Kolton Cousins had Josh Dias sprawling across the crease as he potted his second of the season. After Rowan Miller set up Nick Rheaume along the right side of the net, a rebound trickled over to Cousins with the open look at the net.

Right before the end of the opening period, Merritt’s Wyatt Marlow got the score all knotted up with just one second remaining on the clock.

In the second period, the Spruce Kings found their scoring touch, and it all came within minutes of one another.

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First, Andrew Seaman found his 7th of the season at the 10:04 mark into the period. On the powerplay, Nick Rheaume added to the Spruce Kings lead with his 4th of the year, expanding the PG lead to 3-1. Just over a minute later, Christian Buono centered a pass over to Seaman, who then rifled the puck of a wrist shot to pot his 8th of the year, leading the Chilliwack pod in goals scored and pushing the Spruce Kings to a 4-1 lead.

In the third period, the Centennials pulled up their socks. Matteo Pecchia scored an unassisted tally to cut the PG lead in half.

With under five minutes to play in the period, Josh Olson drew Merritt to within one of tying things up. Goals by Pecchia and Olson both registered as each player’s 3rd of the season.

The Spruce Kings did enough to prevent the complete comeback as they sealed the 4-3 win, keeping their unblemished record against the Centennials going.

Jordan Fairlie stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced to be the winning goalie at the end of 60 minutes. Josh Dias faced 37 shots in what marks his 6th straight game facing 30 or more shots.

The Spruce Kings will be back on the ice Wednesday when they take on the Chilliwack Chiefs at 5:00 p.m.