It’s the first of three in a row at the Trail Memorial Centre as the Smoke Eaters host the Spruce Kings in a tripleheader weekend that could be a playoff preview.
Season Series verse Prince George
Nov. 5 Trail 3 at Prince George 5 Final
Nov. 6 Trail 3 at Prince George 2 Final
Jan. 21 Prince George at Trail 7:00 pm PST
Jan. 22 Prince George at Trail 7:00 pm PST
Jan. 23 Prince George at Trail 6:00 pm PST
The Smoke Eaters come into this weekend sitting sixth in the interior conference with games in hand on most of the teams above them, Prince George included. If the playoffs were to start today we’d have a rematch of the 2020 first round with the Smoke Eaters facing off against the Spruce Kings, the only change is Prince George would have home ice advantage. So with three straight this weekend it’s a possible playoff preview and a mini best of three series. The Smoke Eaters split back in November on their trip to Prince George and at the very least will be eying 2 of three this weekend. Coming off a performance Wednesday night that had just one thing missing, goals. The Smoke Eaters out shot, out played and out chanced the Vipers on Wednesday night but couldn’t capitalize on their chances leading to a 2-1 shootout loss to the Vipers. The goals won’t be any easier to come by this weekend with the Spruce Kings brining one of the best goaltending duos in the league.
Smoke Eaters leading scorers:
Hunter (11-21-32)
Michaelis (18-12-30)
Lagerback (15-11-26)
Disher (8-15-23)
Cunningham (6-16-22)
The Spruce Kings come into Trail as winners of their last five games and are undefeated in regulation over their last seven. Their most recent win came on Wednesday night at home when they brushed aside the Penticton Vees 6-2. It’s the second time this year the Spruce Kings have handed Penticton a lopsided result, both played in Prince George. As it always does the Spruce Kings have to adjust to a different ice surface as they come to Trail. From the tight confines of Rolling Mix Concrete Arena to Cominco provides its challenges. The Spruce Kings are known for playing a tight defensive game when they come to Trail and while they have scorers on their team they aren’t afraid to play a low scoring game. A successful weekend here for the Spruce Kings could help their case for second place in the interior conference, as they sit five points back of the Vees.
Spruce Kings leading scorers
Herrington (17-19-36)
Rheaume (16-15-31)
Labelle (8-22-30)
Miller (13-14-27)
Marciano (2-19-21)
It’s a tripleheader weekend as the Smoke Eaters and Spruce Kings face off for three straight at Cominco. Get your tickets for tonight’s game online at tickets.trailsmokeeaters.com or at the box office which opens at 6pm. If you can’t make it out catch the game on BCHLTV or listen for free on Mixlr.com starting at 6:50pm.
