Game 13: Trail 3 Prince George 2, Still First Place!

Happy Thanksgiving Smokies fans! I'm sure you are all giving thanks for a first place team. I'm giving thanks that I just heard I'll be getting some turkey on Monday even though I had to miss the turkey dinner Sunday night.

Tonight's boxscore: http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573453

While Prince George took top spot in the Interior back with a win over Quesnel on Friday, the Smokies grabbed it right back with their victory tonight. Trail and Vernon are tied for top spot in the Interior, but the Vipers have played one fewer game and Trail has the head to head victory. I know that first place in October counts for nothing come March. I do think it matters though. Being in first place right now should create some extra confidence in this young team. It'll help them believe that they belong and that they can compete and beat any team in the BCHL. I think being on top will also create higher expectations for this team. Now that they've made it to the top spot in the conference I believe they're going to want badly want to stay there. Once you get a taste for it you want more.

So come on Trail, you've got a first place team here. Lets see you on Friday against Penticton.

As for tonight's game, we again saw a terrific and tight battle with Prince George. I'd almost want to play them every game. They've all been dramatic and a blast to call. Listen for clips of the game on the blog early this week. Stay tuned to Mountain FM on Monday night when Jeff Sargeant and I do a special NHL preview show.

Incidentally, I talked to the guys after the game and Chad Gehon did score the winner. They credited Pickering with the goal but it should be Gehon's. Pickering did get the tip on Clark's show and scored the second goal. I wonder if that would've changed the three stars.

CJ Legassic left the game in the first period and went to hospital for x-rays. He's fine. It's just a bruise. He's sore but CJ is a warrior and I know he'll be ready to go.

Jason Greenwell gets his first start with the Smoke Eaters tomorrow afternoon. The 19 year old AP took Fernie to the KIJHL championship last year. That's a great league and Greenwell is a talented guy. He also doesn't have bad flashbacks to the last time the Smokies were in Quesnel and got shelled. The Millionaires have been struggling lately, but they have owned Trail over the last year or so. The Smokies will surely be looking for a better outing and maybe some pay back. It's never easy to get two points in the Vault, especially if Malcom is in goal.

Game time is 2pm and the pre-game show starts at 1:45pm on Mountain FM. Join us for another broadcast of AM Ford Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey at 104.1FM in Trail.