The Merritt Centennials had an excellent opening period, but couldn’t extend it to the second and third as the Spruce Kings battled back to take the game by a score of 6-2.
It was Alex Ochitwa who opened the scoring in the first frame after settling down a loose puck at the blue line, walking to the high slot and unleashing a wrister that found the top corner. Late in the period, the Spruce Kings started to push back and were able to level the score on a goal from Killian McGregor Bennett. However, the Cents were able to regain the lead before the buzzer with some gutsy work in front from Deegan Mofford to make it 2-1 to end the first. Shots after 1 were 12-8 with Brayden Melnyk getting his first taste of game action of the preseason.
The second period saw the Spruce Kings come to life and slowly take hold of the game. John Herrington added a goal to tie the game at 2’s, and the Cents had the opportunity to swing the game with a 5-on-3 powerplay, but despite some solid puck movement and chances – couldn’t beat Trotter to get the go ahead goal. It would be the Spruce Kings who would find it with a goal from the Captain Cousins to make it 3-2 , and add another from Borovinsky to make it 4-2 after 2. Shots after 2 were 40-15.
In the third, Prince George continued to pour it on and would add another pair of goals to make it a 6-2 final.
The Cents will get another opportunity to test their roster against the Surrey Eagles tomorrow night at 7PM – stream live on BCHLTV.ca.
The team would like to thank all the fans who came out tonight and respected the guidelines and protocols.
