Wenatchee Wild forward Charlie Combs became the first player this season to join the B.C. Hockey League's 40-goal club when he scored 11 minutes into Friday's game against the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Much to the chagrin of the visiting Spruce Kings, the 20-year-old Bemidji State recruit from St. Louis, Mo., was far from finished.
Combs collected his 41st goal late in the second period and completed his hat trick with No. 42 in the third period to help the Wild to a 6-2 victory.
The win was the sixth this season for the Wild (34-6-4-0) in six games against the Spruce Kings (19-19-3-2) and it kept Wenatchee first-overall in the BCHL. The Wild remained undefeated in regulation time on home ice, improving its home record to 22-0-2-0.
It was tough night for Kings goalie Tavin Grant, who was scored upon by Dakota Raabe just 14 seconds into the game. The 18-year-old Grant then allowed a second goal from Jasper Weatherly with 1:47 gone.
Brendan Harris had three assists, including his 60th helper of the season on Combs's third goal. Harris, with 78 points and Combs, with 67, are now 1-2 in the BCHL scoring race.
Chong Hyun Lee and Brett Mennear were the goalscorers for Prince George. The Kings trailed 3-0 after one period and 5-2 after two.
Devin Cooley made 18 saves to improve his BCHL record to 6-2-0.
The Spruce Kings, who have been outscored a combined 41-10 this season by the Wild, will get another chance to try to beat their Mainland Division opponents tonight in the rematch in Wenatchee.
Prince George remains fourth in the division.
