The Prince George Spruce Kings fell once again on home-ice losing to the Merritt Centennials tonight (Sat) 5-2.
Nick Fidanza put the visitors ahead 1-0 after 20 minutes courtesy of a misplay in front of the Spruce Kings net.
Merritt doubled it’s lead thanks to a Mark O’Shaughnessy point shot fooling goaltender Liam McCloskey.
Jared Hovde cut the deficit at 9:15 to put Prince George on the scoreboard.
A late goal from Colin Grannary boosted the advantage to 3-1 after two periods.
Prince George got within a goal on a 5 on 3 power-play from Chong Lee shot.
The Centennials added two more in 29 seconds from Mitch Lipon and Zach Court.
Spruce Kings Head Coach Chad Van Diemen says the little things made all the difference.
“Our effort was good, the guys worked hard but we had too many mental mistakes when you give them chances to score they will bury it.”
With the playoffs no longer a possibility very little changes according to Van Diemen.
“We still have to compete every day, we are learning a lot about guys who are here that either do or don’t deserve to be here for next season.”
“It’s been a frustrating season, you learn a lot about people when they are up or down.
“Our off-season will be busy”
Prince George was outshot 35-32 and will host the Vernon Vipers on Wednesday at 7pm from The Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
BCHL Scoreboard
Wenatchee Wild 5 Langley Rivermen 2
Chilliwack Chiefs 5 Surrey Eagles 2
Cowichan Valley Eagles 5 Coquitlam Express 0
Salmon Arm Silverbacks 6 Vernon Vipers 1
Alberni Valley Bulldogs 6 Victoria Grizzlies 3
West Kelowna Warriors 6 Powell River Kings 5 (2OT)
Penticton Vees 4 Trail Smoke Eaters 3
