Ex-Nelsonite Sookro sinks Leafs in overtime
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
For the second consecutive night a player with ties to the Heritage City came back to haunt the Nelson Leafs.
Nelson Minor Hockey grad Ryon Sookro scored early in overtime to power the visiting Beaver Valley Nitehawks to a 2-1 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League victory over the Leafs Saturday night at the NDCC Arena.
The win was the fifth in six attempts for the Hawks, who have outscored the Leafs 24-13 this season.
Friday, the one-two combo of Dane Rupert and Landon Andrusiak, who played last season in Nelson, combined for seven points to help the Kelowna Chiefs skate to an 8-6 win.
Saturday it was a goaltender’s duel between Marcus Beesley in the Nelson nets and Zack Perehudoff.
Beaver Valley took a 1-0 into the first period intermission when Ryan Edwards beat Beesley from the edge of the goal crease.
Nelson defenceman Braeden Hikichi tied the game in the second with an assist from Colton Schell.
The Leafs, holding a 9-5 shots advantage in the third period and 21-17 in the game, pushed for the victory but could not beat Perehudoff.
The loss all but ended Nelson’s bid to overtake Beaver Valley in the Murdoch Division standings. The Hawks now hold an eight-point lead over the Leafs. Beaver Valley also has played one fewer game.
However, Nelson still holds a glimmer of hope if the Leafs can sweep a season-ending series next weekend.
Saturday, the Hawks once again invade the NDCC Arena before the teams hook up Sunday, January 31 in Fruitvale.
LEAFS BANTER: Ryon Sookro leads the Hawks in goals (23) and points (46). The 19-year-old native of South Slocan decided to play for the Hawks after failing to catch on last season with the Leafs. . . .Nelson, third in the Murdoch Division with a 22-17-0-3 record, has eight games remaining on the schedule. . . .Nelson plays host to Castlegar Rebels Tuesday at the NDCC Arena. . . .The game was slugged International Night as the hockey team welcomed visiting students attending school in the Heritage City.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
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