The expectations were high and the results poor in the opening week of regular season action for the Prince George Spruce Kings. But after a solid effort put the team in the win column in Merritt on Friday, the Sprucies will have a shot at inching closer to .500 on Sunday when the Salmon Arm SilverBacks visit.
On paper, Prince George possesses all the ingredients of an offensively powerful club. Returning forwards Sam Muchalla, Joe Morgan and Andrew Pickering have been joined by Brooks Robinson, who had 136 points to show for 158 BCHL games prior to joining the AJHL's Grand Prairie Storm at the 2009 trade deadline.
On defence, 2008/09 All-Star Wes McLeod leads a young but skillful blueline. And the recent return of netminder Alex Wright and the addition of veteran Kyle Nielsen should solidify a position that appeared faulty during the team's three losses to open the season.
With traditional Interior powers Vernon, Westside, and Penticton all enjoying good starts and Salmon Arm heating up, Sunday's visit from the SilverBacks is an opportunity to play catch up. The puck drops at 3:00 PM from the Prince George Coliseum.
Other games on Sunday, September 20th:
Powell River at Surrey, 4:00 PM
