Kings win two of three on road

Winning the third one of a three-game weekend on the B.C. Hockey League road is always tough.

The Prince George Spruce Kings were reminded of that Sunday afternoon in Salmon Arm, where they lost 2-1 to the Silverbacks.

But it wasn’t for a lack of effort. They fired 30 shots at Silverbacks goalie Ethan Langenegger, the game’s first star, and he blocked 29 of them, avenging his 5-0 loss to the Spruce Kings in Prince George two weeks ago.

Trevor Adams broke a 1-1 deadlock 12:24 into the third period, providing what stood as the game-winner. Matthew Verboon tied it for Salmon Arm on a power play late in the first period, after Dylan Anhorn had given the Kings the lead.

Bradley Cooper took the loss in the P.G. nets, making 29 saves.

On Saturday night in Wenatchee, Wash., in a rematch of last year’s BCHL championship series, the Spruce Kings beat the Wild 4-1.

Ben Brar led the way for the Spruce Kings with a goal and one assist. Nicholas Poisson, Dustin Manz and Sean Donaldson also scored for Prince George. Patrick Cozzi picked up two assists.

Matt Gosiewski scored the only goal for the Wild, while shorthanded in the second period.

Prince George led 2-0 after one period and 2-1 after 40 minutes. Brar’s power-play goal in the third period was his league-leading 15th of the season. Manz capped the scoring into an empty net. Logan Neaton earned the win in goal.

The Spruce Kings started their trip with a 4-1 win Friday in Trail.

The Kings (12-6-0-1, third in Mainland Division) are now two points behind the secondplace Coquitlam Express (13-5-1-0) and five back of the league-leading Chilliwack Chiefs (15-6-0-0).

Sunday’s win moved the Silverbacks (10-7-1-0) into second place in the Interior Division.

The Kings return to home ice at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena this weekend with games Friday against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Saturday, when they host the Penticton Vees.