Hear from Joe Martin Post Game
The visiting Prince George Spruce Kings (13-3-1) broke a 3-3 draw late in the third before adding an insurance marker into an empty net, to slip past the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 5-3 Sunday afternoon.
“Tough to lose in that fashion.” said Head Coach and GM Joe Martin in regards to the reviewed go-ahead goal that was not deemed a high stick.
“That was a good hockey game, and I’m proud of the group. I feel for them, but nothing changes the final outcome.”
Alberni Valley (10-7) led 1-0 after 20 minutes, but trailed 2-1 after 40 minutes before twice rallying to tie the game.
Prince George forward Michael Denny struck for both goals in the final 1:07 of the third, and was named first star with a 3 point night.
The eventual winner came only :19 seconds after Alberni Valley forward Arman Adamyan (11th) tied the game at 3-3 with the goaltender pulled.
The Bulldogs also got some secondary scoring with singles from Grayson Salmon (2nd) and Malte Barthold (2nd).
Alberni Valley out shot Prince George 40-30 with Ryder Green making 37 saves for the Coastal Conference leading Spruce Kings, while Dayton Kitchener in his first start since October 24th kicked out 25 of 29 attempts in the defeat.
Special teams was a factor, as Prince George scored a power play goal and once shorthanded, while Alberni Valley went 0 for 5 with the man advantage.
“We’ve got some good players with some good looks, just they’re not going in.” mentioned Martin in regards to the power play.
“That’s what happens in a good hockey game. Somebody gets a power play goal, the other team doesn’t, and you lose by 1 and maybe you had grade ‘A’ chances, you hit the post, the goalie makes a great save. It’s a part of hockey. You just have to keep playing and keep working for more.”
The Bulldogs were down 5 regulars, and brought in affiliates Kilian Alves Pereira and Bogdan Rogushkin. College committed defenceman Ryan George returned to the line-up after missing 8 games due to injury.
Magner extends his point streak to 10 games, with 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points, while Eduard Mishikov (6 game), and Gleb Semenov (8 game), had their streaks snapped.
Up next a 3 game lower mainland road trip begins in Chilliwack Friday night.
