Spruce Kings comeback to defeat Chiefs 5-4 in overtime in final pre-season game

Sep 12, 2026 | 2:50 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Prince George Spruce Kings practiced third period comebacks and overtime winners in their final tune-up before the 2026-27 British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) season.

The Spruce Kings defeated the Chilliwack Chiefs at home Saturday (Sept. 12) afternoon 5-4 in overtime. Prince George entered the game having lost two straight in the BCHL pre-season.

Ryan Wachtel continued where he left off last season. The 20-year-old forward scored 5:31 into the first to give the Spruce Kings a 1-0 lead.

However, the Chiefs took control over the next 35 minutes, taking a 4-1 lead after two periods.

Wachtel completed a pre-season hat trick with two goals in 1:13 early in the third period to tie the game 4-4. The Spruce Kings fired 15 shots on net in the third.

Spruce Kings 5 Chiefs 4 OT

Spruce Kings comeback to defeat Chiefs 5-4 in overtime in final pre-season game

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Charlie Spencer, a 20-year-old forward and newcomer from the Philadelphia Rebels in the North American Hockey League, scored the overtime winner 5:22 into the extra frame. Goaltender Asher Netherton made 12 saves on 14 shots in the first half of the game, while Cody Arnold made 8 saves on 10 shots in the second half and overtime.

The BCHL regular season begins on Sept. 18, with the Spruce Kings visiting Powell River for the first of two games on the Sunshine Coast that weekend. The Spruce Kings’ home opener is Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m. from Kopar Memorial Arena when the West Kelowna Warriors come to town.

by Aaron Schulze

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Spruce Kings comeback to defeat Chiefs 5-4 in overtime in final pre-season game

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