The Prince George Spruce Kings ended a four-game losing streak, scoring two late second-period goals to grab the lead, and they hung on to beat the West Kelowna Warriors 3-1 Friday at Kopar Memorial Arena.
Kings defenceman Trent Ballentyne kickstarted the Prince George offence with a power-play point shot that found the net, 17:25 into the second period, and Alexis Cournoyer followed up 13 seconds later with an even-strength goal to put the Kings ahead 2-1.
Linden Makow added an insurance goal two minutes into the third period, the only shot the Kings could muster while being outshot 12-1 in the final frame.
Jackson Kyrkostas scored for West Kelowna late in the first period.
Marcus Ouelett stopped 30 of 31 Warrior shots to earn his second B.C. Hockey League victory.
The Spruce Kings (4-7-3-0) meet the Warriors (9-5-2-0) again tonight at 6 p.m. at Kopar.
Kings now wearing neck protection
The Spruce Kings announced Friday that all players on the team will be required to wear protective neck guard equipment during on-ice activities, including games and practices.
The Kings received an order for 27 neck guards and were wearing them in Friday’s game.
This decision comes after former NHL player Adam Johnson, died Oct. 22 when his neck was cut by a skate blade while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in an Elite Ice Hockey League game in Sheffield, England.
"The safety of our athletes is our number one priority. Adding a neck guard to their equipment is a no-brainer, especially in light of the recent tragic event in England," said Kings general manager Mike Hawes.
