Hawks take 2-0 lead on Leafs; Bruins double Rebels 4-2 to even series
By The Nelson Daily Sports
After combining for 12 goals in Game one, Beaver Valley and Nelson returned to playing grind-it-out playoff hockey during Game two of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Murdoch Division Semi Final Wednesday night in Fruitvale.
The problem for the Nelson Leafs, however, is the Beaver Valley Nitehawks can play any style come playoff time.
Former Leaf Nolan Percival came back to haunt his ex-mates, scoring the winning goal 59 seconds into the second frame to spark the Hawks to a 4-2 victory and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The series now shifts back to the NDCC Arena for Game three Friday, where the shorthanded Leafs desperately need to find a win to remain in the series.
After falling behind 4-1 during Game one, Nelson had a better opening frame Wednesday.
Goals by Eamonn Miller and a shorthanded tally by team captain Rayce Miller gave Nelson a 2-1 a brief lead midway through the opening period.
However, before the Leafs could get too comfortable, Ryan Terpsma scored a power play marker to even the count before the intermission.
Allan Pruss then scored 65 seconds after Percival’s winner in the second to hand the Hawks a two-goal cushion the host squad would not relinquish as Tallon Kramer was solid between the pipes for the Hawks to register the win in goal.
Beaver Valley out shot the Leafs 40-29 in the contest.
Patrick Ostermann was in goal for the Leafs.
Nelson played the game with only 16 skaters, two under the limit.
Once again the coaching staff called up three Major Midget players — Brendan Makay, Riley Swiscoski and Kaleb Comishin — to fill out the roster as injuries continue to slow the Heritage City franchise.
Bruins rebound to even series
In Castlegar, Grand Forks Border Bruins built up a 4-0 lead before handing the hometown Rebels a 4-2 loss during Game two of the Murdoch Division Semi final Wednesday night in the Sunflower City.
Logan Hascarl, Bryson Yee, Chad Gambo and Trey Mason gave the visitors the four goal advantage with five minutes remaining in the second period.
Mike Bhatoa and Chance Szott scored nine seconds apart in the final minute of the frame to give Castlegar some life.
However, Anthony Galliart was unbeatable in the third, stopping all 18 shots to secure the win for the Bruins.
Castlegar finished the game out shooting the Bruins 43-26.
Game three of the series goes Friday in Grand Forks.
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