The Prince George Spruce Kings knew before the weekend began it was a longshot to come out of Wenatchee and Chilliwack with points and as it turned out they left those cities empty-handed.
But a Sunday visit to Surrey to play the last-overall Eagles to wrap up a three-game, three-night B.C. Hockey League roadtrip showed promise for the Spruce Kings and they made the most of their opportunity with a 4-2 triumph.
Jake LeBrun picked up a goal and an assist as the game's first star and the Spruce Kings captain received scoring support from Brian Basilico, Jordan Funk and Parker Colley, who potted an empty-netter. Ty Westgard and Kurt Black replied for the Eagles (4-20-0-0), who were outshot 39-22.
Liam McCloskey picked up his fourth win of the season in the Kings' nets, making 20 saves.
The Kings (6-16-0-2) gave 20-year-old goalie Sam Tanguay the day off after he played Friday in Wenatchee, a 2-1 win for the Wild, and Saturday in Chilliwack, where they hometown Chiefs beat the Spruce Kings 4-1.
Jordan Kawaguchi collected two goals for Chilliwack. Austin Adam and Mitch Skapski (into an empty net) also scored for the Chiefs. Braiden Epp spoiled Aiden Pelino's shutout bid early in the third period.
Chilliwack (15-5-1-2, second overall in BCHL) now leads the Mainland Division, one point ahead of Wenatchee (14-5-2-2)
The Spruce Kings are at home for two games this week. They host Liam Blackburn and the West Kelowna Warriors on Wednesday, then play the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at the Coliseum on Saturday.
Blackburn, a 19-year-old forward and Prince George native, leads the Warriors in scoring with 10 goals and 27 points in 22 games. He's signed a scholarship commitment to attend the University of New Hampshire and play for the NCAA Division 1 Wildcats.
