By Aaron Schulze

Spruce Kings Pod Season

Spruce Kings fall to Centennials for the first time in the pod season, lost 6-5

May 2, 2021 | 9:01 AM

CHILLIWACK — For the first time in eight tries in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) Chilliwack Pod, the Prince George Spruce Kings fell to the Merritt Centennials.

The Spruce Kings previously shut out the Centennials four times in 2021 and won tight games such as a 3-2 decision on April 4 and 4-3 on April 19.

Although on Saturday (May 1), a balanced attack with nine players getting on the scoresheet wasn’t enough for the Spruce Kings. Walker Erickson’s two goals in 20 seconds in the third period was enough to give the Centennials a 6-5 win.

With four games to go in the shortened BCHL season, the Spruce Kings have an 11-4-1 record, good for 23 points in 16 games and first place in the Chilliwack Pod standings. They lead the Chiefs by three points and the Centennials by 17.

Prince George is off until Monday (May 3) when they play the Centennials again.

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Scoring Summary

First Period

1-0, Spruce Kings, Christian Buono (11) unassisted (shorthanded), 7:06

1-1, Centennials, Alexander Ochitwa (2) from Ben Ward and Tristan Allen (power play), 8:27

Second Period

2-1, Spruce Kings, Amran Bhabra (1) from Nick Rheaume and Simon Labelle, 10:19

2-2, Centennials, Ben Ward (2) from Trevor Isaksson and Tristan Allen, 18:27

Third Period

3-2, Spruce Kings, Simon Labelle (2) from Nick Rheaume and Tanner Main (power play), 0:43

3-3, Centennials, Alexander Ochitwa 2 (3) from Liam Visram and Brandon Dent, 3:26

4-3, Centennials, Trevor Isaksson (3) from Blake Astorino and Tristan Allen, 4:38

4-4, Spruce Kings, John Herrington (5) unassisted, 6:29

5-4, Centennials, Walker Erickson (5) from Ben Ward and Liam Visram, 7:20

6-4, Centennials, Walker Erickson 6 (5) from Talon Zakall and Ben Ward, 7:40

6-5, Spruce Kings, Rowan Miller (4) from Mason Waite and Connor Elliott, 11:54

Goaltending

Centennials, Colton Philips-Watts (W), 46 saves on 51 shots in 60 minutes played.

Spruce Kings, Jordan Fairlie (L), 17 saves on 23 shots in 58 minutes played.