Hoping to board an express train to victory Sunday afternoon in Coquitlam, the Prince George Spruce Kings' gas tank ran dry.
Playing their third B.C. Hockey League game in less than three days, they lost 5-1 to the Coquitlam Express.
Danny Pearson scored two goals. James Bohn, Bradley Ong and Cooper Connell also made a dent in the Spruce Kings' nets guarded by 17-year-old goalie Jack McGovern, who made his second career BCHL start.
Preston Broziak, with his third goal of the season, an unassisted effort midway through the third period, was the only Kings shooter to score on Express goalie Clay Stevenson. Stevenson stopped a penalty shot attempt in the first period awarded to Kings forward Thomas Richter.
The Express outshot the Kings 35-13 and held Prince George without a shot in the first period, building a 14-0 advantage. Bohn, Ong and Pearson finally got to McGovern in the second period. Pearson's first of the night, 17:41 into the second period, was assisted by former Spruce King forward Tyler Schleppe.
Injuries left the Kings with just four of their regular defencemen - Nolan Barrett, Nick Bochen, Colton Cameron and Amran Bhabra. For the Coquitlam game they called up affiliate player Ryan Suzukovich from the junior B North Vancouver Wolf Pack.
The Kings started their trip with a 6-2 loss in Chilliwack. They beat the Langley Rivermen
The Kings (2-3-2-0, third in Mainland Division) are at home at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena to face the Port Alberni Bulldogs on Friday, followed by a Saturday test against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
