Bruins continue playoff drive with shocking win over Leafs
By Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Leaf may want to avoid top spot in the Murdoch Division and stay away from playing the Grand Forks Border Bruins in the first round of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season.
The Bruins roared back to score four unanswered goals in the third period en route to a 5-2 road-victory over the Leafs Saturday night at the NDCC Arena.
The win was the second time in a week the Bruins have beat up on the Leafs.
“It appears that maybe we do have Nelson’s number,” Bruins assistant coach Matt Zamec told The Nelson Daily Sunday prior to a key game against Spokane Braves.
“We’re battling for that last playoff spot and have been playing very well since the Christmas break so it’s nice to see us be able to win last night and last week.”
Despite being down 2-1 after two periods, Zamec felt the Bruins were not out of the game.
And when Nate Corey jumped out of the penalty box to score a breakaway goal to tie the game at 2-2, Grand Forks felt ready to steal the road win.
Michael Rand notched the winner midway through the final frame before Nelson Minor Hockey grad Coleton Dawson sealed the win.
“I’ve been with the team for eight years and have never played a meaningful game this late in the season,” Zamec admitted.
“This is huge for the team, it’s huge for the town which is right behind us.”
Former Leaf Connor Gross and Max Newton, into an empty net, also scored for Grand Forks.
Adam Hodge and Robson Cramer replied for Nelson.
Nelson out shot the Bruins 32-31.
Dominic Stadnyk was in goal to lead the Bruins to its second win in eight days over Nelson.
Brad Rebagliati took the loss in goal for Nelson.
Nelson, 32-8-1-3, remains in second spot in Murdoch standings, one point behind idle Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
The Leafs host Castlegar Wednesday in a rare mid-week encounter at the NDCC Arena.
Meanwhile the Bruins, trailing the Braves by four points with four games in hand, played Sunday against Spokane.
ICE CHIPS: Nelson’s captain Darnel St. Pierre was on the sidelines serving another suspension after receiving a hit-to-the head penalty during Friday’s 9-0 drubbing of Castlegar. This is the third time this season the rugged rearguard has been suspended for an accumulation of hit-to-the-head penalties. . . .Nelson played the game with only three regular defencemen in Patrick Croome, Robson Cramer and Nick Trefry. Croome sat out Friday’s game due to suspension. Nelson is hopeful to see defenceman Austin Seaman back on the roster. The Calgary native has been sidelined after suffering a leg injury since December 6 in Fernie.
