After getting spanked 5-1 Wednesday on the road in Chilliwack, the Prince George Spruce Kings will have something to prove to their fans at the Coliseum tonight when they host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
They need to prove they still have what it takes to hold down top spot in the BCHL's Mainland Division. After coming up with an absolute stinker Wednesday in which the Chiefs outshot the Kings 28-11, the Kings (14-9-0-2) are now just three points ahead of Chilliwack in the battle for first and the Chiefs (13-7-0-1) still hold four games in hand.
The Bulldogs (11-7-1-2) have emerged as one of the better teams in the league and are currently tied with Powell River for second place in the Island Division, seven points behind the first-place Nanaimo Clippers.
RPI recruit Evan Tironese, a 19-year-old from Qualicum Beach, leads the Bulldogs in scoring and ranks fourth in the scoring race with seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points in just 19 games. Alberni Valley also has Alabama-Huntsville prospect Kurt Gosselin, a 19-year-old defenceman, who ranks third in team scoring with 22 points, including seven goals.
The Spruce Kings will be counting on Justin Rai, their scoring leader, who has 31 points in 25 games. Chad Staley (13-17-30) and Jeremiah Luedtke (7-20-27) will also be expected to carry the offensive load in tonight's game.
This is the only visit the Bulldogs will make this season to Prince George. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
