Clash of the Murdoch Titans as Leafs face Rebels
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Castlegar Rebels finished 13 points ahead of the Nelson Leafs to grab second in the Murdoch Division and home ice advantage when the best-of-seven semi final begins Friday in the Sunflower City.
The Rebels also registered seven more wins than the Green and White.
Nelson was a shade better offensively than the Sunflower City franchise — outscoring Castlegar 259-255.
But the Rebels were far better defensively, allowing a measly 133 goals — the best in the entire KIJHL.
However, when the season series between the two teams is measured, there really isn’t a lot to choose between the two West Kootenay franchises.
The teams split season series 4-4 — with former Rebel netminder Andrew Walton in goal for all four of the wins.
Each team won twice on the opposing team’s ice while holding court at home twice.
Nelson outscored Castlegar 31-29 during the regular season.
Stuart Walton (87), Anthony Delong (82) and Scott Morriseau (68) are the top three scores on the Rebels while Nick Newman (68), Brett Norman (66) and Colton Schell (65) were the best snipers for Nelson.
Patrick Martens scored 40 times in only 35 games for the Leafs.
Delong led Castlegar sniping 39 goals.
Game two is Saturday also in Castlegar.
Games three and four go Monday and Tuesday in Nelson. If necessary, the series resumes Thursday in Castlegar, Friday in Nelson and Saturday in Castlegar.
Nelson game times are 7 p.m. while puck drops at 7:30 p.m. at the Castlegar and District Community Complex Arena.
“We’ve had 52 games, now we’re going into the real season and our goal is to make it a long one,” said Leaf coach and GM Frank Maida.
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