Game Preview | Spruce Kings vs. Centennials | May 5, 2021
PHOTO – Garrett James
Tonight, at the Chilliwack Coliseum, the Prince George Spruce Kings look to get back in the win column this evening as they take on the Merritt Centennials in the ninth meeting of the season between the two clubs. The Spruce Kings are coming off a 3-0 defeat against the Chilliwack Chiefs. Aaron Trotter made 25 saves in the setback, while forward Kolton Cousins earned third star honours.
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PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS OVERVIEW
Head Coach: Alex Evin
Record: 11-5-1
Last Game: A 3-0 defeat against the Chilliwack Chiefs on Monday, May 3rd.
Record vs. MER: 7-1
Power-Play: 21% (21.8%) Penalty Kill: 87.3% (3rd)
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Leading Scorers: Christian Buono (17 GP – 11G – 10A – 21 PTS), Andrew Seaman (17GP – 10G – 6A – 16 PTS), Nick Rhéaume (17GP – 6G – 8A – 14 PTS)
THE ROOKIE
Goaltender Aaron Trotter has been fantastic in between the pipes for the Spruce Kings all pod season long. Trotter, who recently just turned 20, sports a 5-3-1 record thus far in the pod, including two shutouts, a 1.66 GAA and a .931 save percentage. The Victoria product will also get the nod in goal for the Spruce Kings this evening.
BIG GAMES AHEAD
Every game moving forward for the Spruce Kings look to be the most important in this pod season. The Spruce Kings sit one behind the Chilliwack Chiefs, while the Spruce Kings have a game in hand going into tonight’s contest. The Spruce Kings play the Centennials tonight, and then again on Friday. PG then wraps up the pod season Sunday evening against the Chillwiack Chiefs
PRINCE GEORGE NOTES
- Simon Labelle has four points in his last four games
- Prince George has scored 19 times in the last four games
- Rowan Miller, Andrew Seaman, and Christian Buono are all tied for 2nd in the BCHL in short-handed goals
- Aaron Trotter starts in goal for Prince George
MERRITT CENTENNIALS
OVERVIEW
Head Coach: Derek Sweet-Coulter
Record: 3-14
Record vs. PG: 1-7
Last Game: A 4-3 defeat against the Chilliwack Chiefs on May 2nd.
Power-Play: 12.7% (13th)
Penalty Kill: 78.8% (10th)
Leading Scorers: Walker Erickson (16 GP – 5G – 6A – 1 PTS), Ben Ward (16 GP – 4G – 5A – 9 PTS), Brandon Dent (16 GP – 3G – 9A – 12 PTS)
WARD
Forward Ben Ward has been on a bit of a tear in his last three hockey games. Ward has 9 points in his last three games heading into this evening’s game against Prince George. Those 9 points are the total points he has all season. His first goal of the pod came on April 29th against the Chilliwack Chiefs.
MERRITT NOTES
- Brandon Dent has four points in his last four games
- Defenceman Talon Zakall has two points in his last two games
- Josh Dias starts in goal for Merritt