Leafs overpower Hawks 6-2 in first game of home-and-home series
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Nelson captain Darnel St. Pierre said before the weekend series against Beaver Valley there is a “really strong leadership group” in the Leafs dressing room.
Those leaders stepped up big time, scoring three power play goals en route to a convincing 6-2 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League triumph over the Hawks Friday night at the NDCC Arena.
The win gives Nelson a six points lead in the race for the Murdoch Division crown with game two of the home-and-home series set for Saturday in Fruitvale.
Nelson followed up three first period goals with two more in the second to send the Hawks to a third straight defeat.
Jamie Vlanich and Carsen Willans each scored twice with singles going to Alec Wilkinson and newcomer Kyle Clayton.
The Hawks top point getters, Ryan Edwards and Dallas Calvin, replied for Beaver Valley.
Willans led all scorers with four points while Vlanich, the KIJHL scoring leader, finished with three points.
Brad Rebagliati was solid between the pipes for Nelson to register the victory in goal.
Grayson Sharpe and Brett Clark shared the netminding duties for Beaver Valley.
The teams meet again Saturday. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. at the Hawks nest.
ICE CHIPS: The season series is now tied at 3-3 after Nelson snapped a three-game losing streak to Beaver Valley. . . . Beaver Valley has the advantage in goals 26-24. . . .Nelson was missing captain Darnel St. Pierre and Blair Andrews Friday. The duo were serving the first of two games for accumulating head contact penalties . . . . Castlegar Rebels dumped Grand Forks 6-2 at home to hold a slim one-point lead on Spokane Braves for third place in the Murdoch Division. Kody Disher had four points to lead the Rebels. Spokane edged Fernie 3-1 in the East Kootenay City. Grand Forks, with four games in hand on the Braves, trail Spokane by eight points. . . . Jamie Vlanich increased his KIJHL scoring lead to 11 points over Jesse Collins of Creston.
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