Aynsley powers Rebels past Bruins
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Scoring leader Ryan Aynsley snapped a 3-3 tie a power play goal midway through the third period sparking the Castlegar Rebels to a 4-3 victory over the visiting Grand Forks Border Bruins Tuesday night in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League action in the Sunflower City.
Aynsley, converting his second goal of the game, combined with linemates Erik Wentzel and Spencer Brodt with Bruins’ Brad Phillips in the penalty box.
Aynsley and Wentzel lead the KIJHL in scoring, each with six points.
The win is the third of the season for the Rebels and gives Steve Junker’s Rebels a two-point advantage over idle Beaver Valley Nitehawks in Neil Murdoch standings. Castlegar’s record is also the best in the KIJHL.
Stuart Walton and Arthur Andrews also scored for the Rebels.
Wentzel and Brodt each added a pair of assists.
Brett Basnett, Nick Van Damme and Zachary Thompson replied for Grand Forks, which rallied from a 3-0 deficit.
Rookie Alex Ross registered the win in goal for Castlegar, stopping 18 of 21 shots.
Garrett Muir was the busier of the two goalies facing 40 shots.
Castlegar returns to action Saturday when the Rebels host Penticton Lakers at 7:30 p.m. at the Complex while the Bruins face the North Okanagan Knights Friday in Grand Forks.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
