After starting their B.C. Hockey League roadtrip Wednesday with a 9-2 defeat in Trail, their worst loss of the season, anything would be an improvement for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Heading into the final 15 seconds Friday night in Vernon, it was still anybody’s game until Vernon Vipers centre Connor Sleeth put the puck behind Spruce Kings goalie Carter Woodside. The goal, 19:43 into the third period, was the difference-maker in a 2-1 Vipers’ victory.
It came nine minutes after Connor Marritt had tied it for the Vipers. Corey Cunningham opened the scoring for Prince George 16 minutes into the second period with his team-leading 21st goal.
He was the only King to solve Vipers goalie Keegan Karki, who stopped 18 of 19 shots for his second BCHL win in four games since joining the Vipers form the Everett Silvertips of the WHL.
Woodside took the loss, stopped 35 of 37 shots as the game’s second star.
The Spruce Kings (16-28-2-3-0) move on to West Kelowna to face the Warriors Saturday night. West Kelowna (14-28-5-3-0), with 36 points, is just one point behind the Spruce Kings. The Warriors are coming off a 3-0 win Thursday in Alberni Valley._
