The Prince George Spruce Kings ended the B.C. Hockey League regular season with a 5-3 loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Saturday in front of 2,112 spectators at the Coliseum.
Before the game the Spruce Kings (25-22-1-8) honoured their four 20-year-old members - goalie Kirk Thompson, forwards Coltyn Hansen and Shayne Morrissey and captain Trevor Esau - as they played in their final regular season game. Hansen finished the game with a goal and two helpers while Morrissey had a goal. Thompson made 27 saves in the Spruce Kings' net.
The game was meaningless for both teams in the standings as the Silverbacks (26-24-2-4) clinched the final playoff berth in the Interior division with a win in Merritt the night before, while the Spruce Kings already knew they'd finish third in the Mainland division and play the second-place Chilliwack Chiefs (33-21-1-1) in the best-of-five first round playoff series.
The Spruce Kings begin the playoffs Friday and Saturday in Chilliwack before returning to Prince George, March 18 for Game 3 and, if necessary, Game 4 on March 19. If needed, Game 5 is Wednesday in Chilliwack.
