Photo: #13 Marcus Joughin and the Warriors struggled to get the puck past Spruce Kings goaltender Jordan Fairlie Wednesday night.
Photo Credit: Tami Quan Photography
January 12th, 2022
PRINCE GEORGE B.C. – The Prince George Spruce Kings score a late regulation goal in the final minute of play to defeat the West Kelowna Warriors Wednesday night.
It was a frustrating first period for the Warriors with the Spruce Kings John Herrington scoring the lone goal. The Warriors had three powerplay attempts alone in the first but were unable to solve Spruce Kings goaltender Jordan Fairlie who stopped all 13 shots he faced in the opening frame.
There was no scoring in the second period but the Warriors received some bad news as both Tyson Jugnauth and Brennan Nelson left the game with upper body injuries forcing the Warriors to play with 11 forwards and 5 blue liners the rest of the game.
The Warriors would finally solve goaltender Jordan Fairlie in the third. Tyler Cristall would hold the puck inside the Spruce Kings zone and fire a cross ice pass to Chase Dafoe to tie it up at one. The game appeared to be heading to overtime but Spruce Kings blue liner Dylan Schives had other plans. Schieves would go coast to coast and beat Johnny Derrick with a wrist shot that just trickled in to make it 2-1 Spruce Kings with 52 seconds remaining. John Herrington would add his 2nd of the game with the net empty to make it 3-1 with 29 seconds remaining.
Final shots: 35-28 Warriors.
The Warriors continue their lengthy road trip when they head to Trail to take on the Smoke Eaters Friday night. Puck drop 7:00pm PST from Cominco Arena.. Catch broadcasts on BCHL TV (formally HockeyTV) or tune into the Warriors MixIr radio station.
