Kings win home opener

Paul De Jersey makes a good first impression.

The product of North Vancouver had three points to lead the Prince George Spruce Kings to a 6-3 win over the Merritt Centennials in the British Columbia Hockey League club's home opener at The Coliseum on Friday.

De Jersey, playing his first game with the Kings, scored the opening goal in the team's 40th anniversary season to the delight of the 876 fans, before assisting on linemate Jujhar Khaira's goal to put the home side up 2-0 in the first period.

After the Centenials made it 3-1 on a power play, De Jersey put the KIngs up 4-1 when he collected a rebound on the goal line and scoring on Merritt goaltender Lino Chimienti. The power-play goal was assisted by Khaira.

But the Cenntenials pulled within a pair and, with 28 seconds remaining in the second period, Chad Brears poked the puck behind Prince George goaltender Kirk Thompson.

The much-heralded Fitzgerald triplets contributed the rest of the scoring for the home team. Leo gave the Kings a 3-0 lead early in the second period, set up by brother Myles and defenceman Ben Woodley.

The Centennials made it 4-3 early in the third period on Stack's second goal of the night, but 31 seconds later Gerry Fitzgerald restored the Kings two-goal lead at 5-3. Myles picked up his second helper, while affiliated player Karan Toor had the other assist.

Gerry gave the Kings a 6-3 lead with under six minutes to play with his second goal, while Khaira picked up his third point of the night. Defenceman Skylar Pacheco also picked up an assist.

Thompson stopped 14 shots to pick up his first win of the season, while Merritt's Chimienti faced 33 shots.

The teams renew acquaintances tonight at 7 p.m. in the castle.