Spruce Kings Erase Deficit in Game 1 Win

The Prince George Spruce Kings erased a 2-0 deficit after the first period, and scored the next three goals in a 3-2 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs in Game 1 on Friday night at Kopar Memorial Arena.

After a bit of a feeling out process to start the game, Gabriel Anctil scored on the power play at 9:22 putting one along the ice past Colin Reay to make it a 1-0 game.

Just under two minutes later, a turnover at the blue line let Dustin Renas in alone to bury on the breakaway to give Chilliwack a 2-0 lead.

In the middle frame, the Spruce Kings got a man advantage after a stint of 4 on 4, and Ozbej Rep moved it down to Ryan Wachtel before he found Carter Hesselgrave for his third goal of the playoffs.

The Spruce Kings got a 4-minute power play to start the third period, and just 39 seconds in, Rep scored his second of the playoffs with a shot from the point, as Hesselgrave and Lougheed drew the assists.

While the game felt balanced down the stretch, a strong forecheck by Michael Denney got the puck to Isaac Holt. His shot was blocked, but Trent LeDrew picked it up, cut to the net, and threw a short backhand on goal which deflected off David Di Girolamo and in to give the Spruce Kings their first lead.

Reay made 27 saves to pick up his fifth win of the playoffs.

Game 2 goes Saturday at 6:00 pm from Kopar Memorial Arena. Tickets available at www.showpass.com/pgskround2game2