Spruce Kings Drop Overtime Battle

The Spruce Kings fought to tie the game late, but couldn’t get the overtime winner as the Langley Rivermen came away with a 2-1 victory on Saturday night at Kopar Memorial Arena.

The Rivermen got on the board just 7:25 into the opening period, as Ryan Schelling went in all alone and beat Charles Gravel on the blocker side as Hunter Curtis cleared the puck up the middle of the ice past two Spruce Kings defenders.

Prince George had 41 seconds of 5 on 3 time to start the second period, followed by 3:19 finishing off a double-minor for high sticking, but couldn’t beat Dylan Johnson.

The physicality ramped up in the 3rd period as Sebastian Bradshaw laid a big hit on Corson Maguire, which brought Carter Hesselgrave to his teammates defense at centre ice, giving the crowd something to cheer about.

Linden Makow and Jacob Wingfield would also get in a scrap at the midway point of the period.

With 2:20 to go in the third, the Spruce Kings called a timeout, and Brock Cummings put home a rebound with 2:06 on the clock to tie the game and force overtime.

In overtime, the Spruce Kings were unable to generate any opportunities, and Keenan Ingram finished off a give and go, beating Gravel to end the game just 1:03 into the extra frame.

Langley maintains a 2-point cushion on the 8th and final playoff spot, as both teams have 6 games remaining. Next weekend, Langley takes on Chilliwack and Victoria at home, while the Spruce Kings entertain the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Sunday March 16th at 3:00 pm.