PHOTO: Garrett James
Tonight, in West Kelowna, the Prince George Spruce Kings get set for their second preseason game on the four-game schedule when they visit the West Kelowna Warriors. The Spruce Kings took home their first preseason win four nights ago, with a 6-2 victory over the Merritt Centennials.
PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS
OVERVIEW
Preseason Record: 1-0
Head Coach: Alex Evin
Last Game: A 6-2 victory on Friday on the road against Merritt
Preseason Leading Scorers: Kolton Cousins (1GP – 1G – 2A- 3 PTS), Max Borovinskiy (1GP – 1 G – 1A – 2 PTS), Kilian McGregor-Bennett (1GP – 1G – 1A – 2 PTS)
VETERAN PRESENCE
The Spruce Kings will have some more familiar faces in the lineup tonight that didn’t play on Friday in Merritt. On the back end, recently named assistant captain Colton Cameron and Amran Bhabra will draw into the lineup this evening. Both defencemen are entering their third year with the Spruce Kings. Both defenders also scored their first BCHL goals in the 2021 Chilliwack Pod. Up front, returning forwards Simon Labelle, assistant captain Rowan Miller, and Nick Rhéaume will get their first game action of the preseason. Rhéaume had a fantastic pod season a few months ago and committed to U-Mass Lowell in the offseason. His two-line mates in Labelle and Miller also shined throughout the Chilliwack pod, combining for 24 points in 20 games.
JORDY IS BACK
Jordan Fairlie will get his first start of the preseason. The returning netminder got in between the pipes in the third period on Friday in Merritt, steering away the 6 shots he faced. The Fort St. John product played in 7 games in the Chilliwack pod and sported a 5-2 record with 2.16 goals against average, and a .907 save percentage.
WEST KELOWNA WARRIORS
OVERVIEW
Preseason Record: 1-1
Head Coach: Simon Ferguson
Last Game: A 4-2 defeat Saturday night in Salmon Arm
Preseason Leading Scorers: Felix Trudeau (2 GP – 2G – 1A – 3 PTS), Elan Bar Lev Wise (2GP – 1G – 1A – 2 PTS), Charles-Alexis Legault (2GP – 1G – 1A – 2 PTS)
VETERAN PRESENCE X2
Much like the Spruce Kings, the Warriors have a plethora of returning players for the 2021-22 season. The 2021 pod season was highlighted offensively from Marcus Joughin, Tyson Jugnauth, and Tyler Cristall for West Kelowna. The three players combined for 55 points in the Pod and are all back for the 21-22 season.
OFF-SEASON ACQUISITIONS
The Warriors were able to acquire former captain of the Trail Smoke Eaters, Chase Dafoe this past summer. Entering his third BCHL season, Dafoe has suited up in 82 BCHL games, adding 16 goals and 12 assists in those games played. Dafoe has also appeared in four BCHL playoff games.
