It’s been a close played series and game four was no different as the Smoke Eaters knock off the defending BCHL champions the Prince George Spruce Kings.
With their backs against the wall the Spruce Kings came flying out of the gate to open this game. It was chippy as well with both teams taking every opportunity to finish their checks. As the Spruce Kings made a change in goal with Carter Woodside getting the start in an attempt to fuel an early push for the defending champions. They would open the scoring on their second power play of the first on Corey Cunningham’s first of the series. Cunningham’s shot went off the under side of Logan Terness’s blocker and trickle across the line. The Spruce Kings went to the break playing with the lead.
In the second the Smoke Eaters put on some pressure of their own and finally broke Woodside with a power play goal of their own. It was the captain with his second power play goal in as many games and third goal of the series, as his shot from the right circle picked the top corner short side to get the Smokies on the board.
It didn’t take long in the third period for the Smoke Eaters to find their winner. It came from the stick of Jameson Murray who scored his first BCHL Playoff goal. With a delayed penalty Kyle Budvarson passed to the right point for Murray who’s shot beat Woodside on the short side to make it 2-1 Smoke Eaters just 1:54 into the third.
Then it was shutdown time for the Smoke Eaters, who did exactly that. The Spruce Kings were credited with just three shots in the third period as they looked for a tying goal. With 1:57 left the Spruce Kings pulled the goalie and moments later, after Johnson hit the post, Lapointe had his shot blocked, Murray scored his second of the night to seal the victory making it 3-1.
The Smoke Eaters finish the series with just three goals allowed through four games, while scoring 11 themselves. Terness was named second star while Murray was the first with two goals.
The Smoke Eaters now move on to round two of the BCHL Playoffs with games and opponent to be announced at a later date.
