The Prince George Spruce Kings picked a fine time to shine.
Their 3-2 victory over the previously undefeated Victoria Grizzlies happened Thursday night in Chilliwack at the BCHL Showcase right when the place was packed with talent scouts from the NCAA and NHL.
The Kings scored two third-period goals to put the wraps on their fifth win in six games to start the season.
Nick Rheaume’s fourth goal of the season, 5:22 into the third period, gave the Kings a 3-1 lead and it stood as the gamewinner. The Grizzlies answered with about two minutes left when Andrew Amousse put a puck behind goalie Jordan Fairlie. The Grizzlies had the pressure on in the final minute but Colton Cameron and captain Kolton Cousins came up with two key shot blocks to preserve the win.
Cousins opened the scoring in the first period on a Prince George power play. Jimmy Doyle made it a 2-0 count 2:48 into the third period. Devon Devries notched the other Victoria goal.
Kings defenceman Ben LeFranc, who scored two goals in a 4-1 triumph Wednesday afternoon over the Wenatchee Wild, assisted on Doyle’s goal on Thursday.
The Kings outshot the Grizzlies 25-21.
The win improved the Spruce Kings’ record to 5-1-0-0-0 and it left them tied with the Penticton Vees for first place in the Interior Conference, each with 10 points. The Vees (5-0-0-0), who beat the Langley Rivermen 4-1 Wednesday at the Showcase, will travel to Prince George to face the Kings next Wednesday at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
The Grizzlies (5-1-0-0-0) are on the ice in Chilliwack this afternoon (4 p.m. start) to face the West Kelowna Warriors.
