The Prince George Spruce Kings were probably hoping the college and pro scouts missed the first period Wednesday afternoon at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack.
The Kings got off to a bad start, falling behind 3-0 in the opening frame to the Coquitlam Express, and never recovered, eventually losing 5-1.
First-period goals from Express shooters Mirko Buttazzoni, Mateo Dixon and Bobby Landry prompted Kings coach Alex Evin to park starting goalie Jordan Fairlie on the bench for the rest of the game after he gave up three goals in 17 shots.
Aiden Feddema, a native of Bowmanville, Ont., took over in the Kings’ crease for the rest of the game and allowed two goals on 18 shots but the Prince George offence continued to sputter and the Express kept on the attack. Jason Gallucci and Gavin Giesbrecht opened up a 5-0 lead after 40 minutes and the rout was on.
Jake Schneider scored on a Spruce Kings’ power play, 6:16 into the third period, the only shot of the game to beat Coquitlam goalie Brady Smith.
Shots favoured the Express 35-22.
The loss dropped the Kings (6-3-0-0-0) into fourth place in the Interior Conference standings. Coquitlam (5-2-1-0-0) remained third in the Coastal Conference.
The Showcase continues today at 4 p.m. for the Spruce Kings, who host the undefeated Surrey Eagles (7-0-0-0) in Chilliwack.
