The Prince George Spruce Kings began their Island Division roadtrip not the way they had it planned.
They lost 4-1 Thursday in Powell River to the other Kings of the B.C. Hockey League.
A third-period power-play goal from Jack Brackett put Powell River ahead and doomed the Spruce Kings to their sixth loss in the past eight games.
It was still a one-goal game until, with about three minutes left, Powell River forward Rowen Miller blocked shot at the far blueline and took off on a breakaway. Miller's stick broke as he shot and it fooled Spruce Kings goalie Jett Alexander for the insurance goal. Ben Wozney capped the scoring into an empty net.
Jacob Slipec's wraparound tied the game for Powell River in the second period, after Nick Poisson drew first blood for the Spruce Kings with his fifth of the season 10:18 into the first period. Brackett also drew two assists for a three-point night.
The shots favoured Powell River 35-26. Powell River goalie Derek Krall was selected the game's first star as he improved his record to 6-1-1-0.
The loss left the Spruce Kings (5-8-2-1) fourth in the Mainland Division, while Powell River (8-10-0-0) remained fourth in the Island Division.
The Spruce Kings move on to Victoria, where they'll meet the Grizzlies (6-11-0-0) Saturday night (7 p.m. start). They'll wrap up their trip Sunday afternoon (2 p.m.) in Duncan against the Island Division-leading Cowichan Valley Capitals.
