Post Game: Trail 7 Prince George 3

Prince George, BC – The line of Scott Jacklin, Tye Lewis and Sam Mellor combined for 8 points in Trail's (7-18-1-1) 7-3 win over Prince George (10-16-1-1). Darnell Dyck, Paul Mailey and Mitch Kaufmann also added 2 points each in the victory.

Garrett Beckwith was sharp with 31 saves for the Smokies. He was really tested early as Trail was on their heels in the first ten minutes. Prince George out shot the Smokies 15-8 in the first period, but Nick Sandor's goal made sure the Spruce Kings only had a 2-1 lead after one.

Mellor's power play goal early in the second period was the first of six unanswered markers for Trail. Steve Koshey put the Smoke Eaters ahead for the first time when he snuck in from the point and tapped in a great feed from Jacklin. Koshey played and was very effective despite being a game time decision after an injury in Vernon.

Kyle Nielson replaced Steve Papciak in the Prince George goal to start the third period.

Mike Betz knocked in the rebound from a Paul Mailey shot to score his first career BCHL goal. It would stand up as the eventual winner. Mellor scored his second of the game on some great passing from Jacklin and Lewis. Sean Nugent also converted after a terrific pass from Tommy Rizzardo.

The Smokies closed out their scoring as Darnell Dyck used some quick hands to tuck a puck in at the side of the Spruce Kings net. Affiliate player Philip Patenaude got his first assist on the play.

Lyndon Martel, Stewart Lambert and Wes McLeod scored for Prince George.

ON THE TRAIL: This was Trail's final game in Prince George this season. The Smokies lead the season series 2-1. The teams will play again next week in Trail ... Matt Wilkins and Graeme Strukoff missed the game with injuries ... Patenaude was at Trail's training camp in August. He had 14 points in 18 games with Nelson in the KIJHL. The Smokies also have AP defenceman Colton Semenok with them for the weekend trip. He played a season with Canmore in the AJHL and has 3 assists in 14 games with Beaver Valley in the KIJHL ... Trail visits Quesnel on Friday night and Williams Lake on Saturday.

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