A 44-save performance spelled the end of the Langley Rivermen’s four-game winning streak.
Prince George Spruce Kings’ Jesse Jenks turned aside 44 of 45 shots to help defeat the Rivermen 3-1 on Thursday (Dec. 18) at the Langley Events Centre in junior A BCHL action.
The victory pulls Prince George (18-13-0-3) within two points of Langley (18-12-1-4) for second place in the Mainland Division.
“Overall, I thought we played well,” said Rivermen assistant coach Kurt Astle.
“We had our chances but couldn’t capitalize and their goalie played real well, which was the difference.”
Prince George’s Jeremiah Luedtke opened the scoring with five minutes to play in the first period, deflecting home a shot from the point. Langley’s Matthew Graham tied the score in the final minute, when he jammed home a loose puck.
The winning goal came 4:30 into the second period as Jake Lebrun was left alone in the slot and he roofed the puck past Bo Didur.
Didur finished with 34 saves.
The last goal was an empty-netter late in the third period from Lebrun as he finished with two goals and an assist.
The Rivermen are back in action tonight (Dec. 19) as they host the Powell River Kings at the LEC. They also welcome the Victoria Grizzlies on Dec. 20.
Admission is free to both games as part of the team’s ‘Rivmas’ celebration. Fans also receive a $5 food or merchandise voucher as part of the promotion.
