getting ready for the bchl showcase

Spruce Kings heating up heading into this weekend’s BCHL Showcase

Oct 10, 2025 | 5:07 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Spruce Kings started their campaign off with two losses in their first three games to end September but since the calender has turned to October, the Kings have flipped the switch. Winning its first two games of the month by a combined score of 15-3 has the team re-energized heading into this weekends BCHL showcase in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. With the defending Fred Page Cup Champions Brooks Bandits set to face the Spruce Kings Wednesday, the team is confident its ready for the challenge.

“Obviously, I think both teams are very offensively gifted and they like to play at a high pace. I think us fine tuning our details on the defensive side of the puck is going to open up opportunities for us. Being able to skate at that pace and close their time and space, will help us be successful.We’re going to play two brand new teams. Obviously our guys are excited to get down to the showcase and it’s a good opportunity for our guys to play in front of college and U-sports scouts. So our goal is to go in there and put our best foot forward.” said Tesink.

One of the catalysts in the Spruce Kings resurgence is summertime addition Tai Ushio. Ushio is currently fourth in the BCHL in scoring with 10 points over 5 games. Ushio is excelling as a defensive forward and that is creating many chances to score which has helped the team turn the corner.

“Just like our coach said defense creates the offense, right? The defensive start is what I most care about. I just like being like a defenseman and even though I’m a forward I clear the puck out from the defense zone and make a crisp pass to start the breakout. You just have to get the shot on net and just get to the net to score the dirty goals. ” said Ushio.

Prince George opens up their Showcase schedule Tuesday night in Abbotsford against Sherwood Park, before making a trip to Chilliwack to take on the Brooks Bandits Wednesday afternoon.