Spruce Kings Shut out 3-0

Photo: Vicki Brown – MyLight Photography

The Coquitlam Express scored three goals in the first period on their way to a 3-0 win over the Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday night at Kopar Memorial Arena.

Tyler Chiovetti was given a penalty shot at 4:56 and went backhand to forehand with a pair of dekes to tuck it around Colin Reay to open the scoring.

Turnovers were noticeable for the Spruce Kings in the period, and off a missed pass Kenyon McIsaac sent a pass forward to Brady Engelkes.  It was all Engelkes after that as he moved around Trent LeDrew and Isaac Holt and slid it through the legs of Reay to double the lead.

The Express would score just under three minutes later when Nate Crema had the puck go off him in front off a Justin Ivanusec shot.  The goal would go to review but ultimately would count and it was 3-0 after one period, with the Spruce Kings holding a 12-10 edge in shots.

In the next two periods, it was all Spruce Kings on the shot clock but they couldn’t beat Ryan Parker.  Prince George outshot the Express 10-2 in the second period including three power play opportunities, and then outshot the Express 12-1 in the third period and 34-13 overall.

It was Parker’s day though, as he took first star honours with 34 saves. The Spruce Kings power play went 0 for 7.

The final home game of the regular season goes Sunday at 3:00 pm, as the Spruce Kings continue to battle towards the Coastal East Division Banner, as their lead has shrunk to four points ahead of both Chilliwack and Coquitlam.

Over 1100 seats are already sold for the game, and can be purchased online at https://www.showpass.com/pgskfanappreciation/

Doors open at 2:00 pm and the full team will be signing autographs post-game.