The Smoke Eaters continue their run at the BCHL Preseason Showcase Friday night against the Prince George Spruce Kings, after registering their first win of the exhibition season.
The home side erupted for five third period goals on Thursday night for a 7-3 silencing of the Powell River Kings.
Mathieu Cobetto-Roy started the Trail onslaught just 15-seconds into the final frame with a power play snipe, and followed that up just over a minute later with a sensational snap shot while falling that found the back of the net.
Patrick Reilly also scored his second of the night during the thrilling third period, as that goal closed out the scoring with about a minute-and-a-half remaining.
Earlier, Max Potvin buried a nifty forehand-to-backhand flip, on a speedy break down the left-wing, converting a three-way play with Gryphon Bucci and fellow recruit, Trip Pendy.
Jason Stefanek went top-shelf from the slot less than a minute after Potvin’s snipe, breaking the game wide open, giving the Smoke Eaters a 6-2 lead.
Rookie defenseman Jack Ketsa’s low screen shot from the point opened the scoring for Trail, less than two-minutes into the second period.
Veteran defenseman Ethan Warrener chipped in with three assists.
At the other end, goalie Teagan Kendrick turned in a solid 27-save effort as several sensational stops came at key moments.
The power play also prospered with two goals on four advantages, while the penalty kill snuffed out two advantages for the Kings.
The Prince George crew opened the showcase at Cominco Arena Thursday afternoon with a 2-0 loss to Cranbrook and now have one win in three exhibition games.
Unlike Thursday night against the coastal Kings, the Smokies (1-2-1) get a first-hand look at the Spruce Kings, an Interior Conference rival.
Opening face-off is at 7:30. The game can be heard on Mixlr and seen on FloHockey.
