Fitzpatrick scores winner to lift Leafs past Bruins
By Nelson Daily Sports
For almost 59 minutes Nelson Leafs and Grand Forks Border Bruins exchanged body blows in a Murdoch Division Showdown.
With 1:03 remaining in the game, Andy Fitzpatrick nailed the Bruins with a knockout punch, scoring the winning goal in a 5-3 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League victory for the Green and White Friday at the NDCC Arena.
The win pulls Nelson into a second-place tie in the Murdoch Division with the Bruins.
Beaver Valley continues to hold a one-point lead over both Grand Forks and Nelson.
Samuel Weber added an insurance marker for the Leafs, which evened the season series between the two teams at one game each.
Colum Mcgauley and Chad Grambo scored seconds apart in the opening period as the teams sparred through the first period tied 1-1.
Brendan Mckay, shorthanded, gave Nelson a brief 22-second lead as Trey Mason tied the game.
David Lenzin put the home side ahead after 40 minutes before Dylan Haney tied the game for the third time during the final frame, scoring on the power play.
Josh Bolding was solid between the pipes for Nelson, facing 22 shots while Anthony Galliart took the loss in goal for Grand Forks.
Nelson returns to home ice Saturday against Spokane Braves while the Bruins hosts Kimberley Dynamiters in the Grand Forks Arena.
BLUELIINES: Leafs added another player to the roster as 6'2" 185-pound forward Mason Mullaney played for the first time against the Bruins. Mullaney, 18, came to Nelson from the Saskatchewan Hockey League. . . . While most teams support Breast Cancer month by wearing pink skate laces or hockey tape, Grand Forks took it to another level by sporting pink jerseys and socks for Friday's game.