Spruce Kings tough battle against Silverbacks not enough in Game 1 loss

SALMON ARM — The Prince George Spruce Kings failed to secure a win in game one of the BCHL playoffs Friday (Mar.31), losing to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in a 2-1 at the Shaw Centre.

In the first period, neither team found the back of the net. However the Silverbacks outshot the Spruce Kings 15-5 in the frame. Prince George would respond in the shot totals in the second by outshooting the Silverbacks 15-13. But the first period energy from the Silverbacks would feed into the second with Ethan Ullrick opening the scoring at 7:04 to give Salmon Arm a 1-0 lead.

Seven minutes and four seconds later, John Herrington would answer back for Prince George, tying the game at one. Setting up for an exciting third period.

Just past the four minute mark of the third, Isaac Lambert would score his first of the post season give the Silverbacks a 2-1 lead. That would be the game winner as a result and the Silverbacks take game one by a slim margin. Both teams were tied for shot totals at 35. Jordan Fairlie was strong in net, making 33 saves despite the loss.