Rebels make it look easy, pound Leafs 8-2 in KIJHL exhibition play Thursday in Nelson
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By Bruce Fuhr
The Nelson Daily Sports
After winning a preseason tournament in Beaver Valley over the weekend the Nelson Leafs were quickly brought back down to earth by the defending Kootenay Conference Champions from Castlegar.
The Rebels scored early, often and then some in posting a pair of Kootenay International Junior Hockey League exhibition wins over the Leafs, the final victory an 8-2 pasting of the Green and White Thursday at the NDCC Arena.
Castlegar doubled the Leafs 6-3 in game one of the home-and-home series Wednesday in the Sunflower City.
“We’ve got lots of work ahead of us,” Leaf coach Frank Maida admitted following the six-goal pounding.
Of course, almost in the same breath, Maida added the coaching staff was taking a look at all the players remaining in camp to before making final cuts this weekend.
And the way the puck was bouncing past, off and into the Leaf net, today was not a good day to purchase a Lotto ticket for any of the players dressed in the home jerseys.
“On some nights that’s the way the puck rolls,” Maida said.
“Then again we’ve only had one practice before the two games against Castlegar,” he added.
Scoring for Castlegar, leading 3-1 after one frame and 7-1 following the 40-minute mark, were Anthony Delong, Dylan Houle, Arthur Andrews, Peter Mingus, Bryce Eviston, Tyler Robinson and Quinn Klimchuk.
Mathew Naka and Dallas Barker replied for Nelson.
Pat Defoe and Braden Minus shared goaltending duties for Castlegar while Sam Monk, welcome to junior hockey, and veteran Andrew Walton were between the pipes for the Leafs.
The teams have a full week of preparation before the teams kick off the regular season Friday, Sept. 16 in Castlegar.
The Rebels pay a return visit Saturday, Sept. 17, Nelson’s home opener at the NDCC Arena.
Game time is 7 p.m.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
Comments