Riders rebound to square Kootenay Final with 5-2 win
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Daily Sports
The Fernie Ghostriders struck for three first period goals en route to a 5-2 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League victory over the Castlegar Rebels in Kootenay Conference playoff action Tuesday in the East Kootenay City.
The win evens the best-of-seven final at 1-1. Castlegar won the opening game of the series 8-4 Monday. Game three is Thursday in Castlegar.
Former Nelson Leaf Connor McLaughlin, 48 seconds in to the game, Cale Wright and Alex Milhouse scored in the opening frame to put the host team in the driver’s seat.
Castlegar twice scored short handed but both times the Riders answered with goals of their own.
Scott Morriseau, who finished the game with three points, scored twice for Fernie while Spencer Brodt and Tyler Robinson replied the Murdoch Division winners.
Luke Richardson and Jeff Zmurchyk each had two points for Fernie.
Fernie out shot the Rebels 41-22. Andrew Walton rebounded from a poor performance in game one to register the win in goal.
Alex Ross took the loss in goal for Castlegar.
Fernie played the game without sniper Thomas Abenante who was handed a one game suspension after game one of the series for a checking from behind penalty late in the game.
Okanagan series resumes Wednesday
The Osoyoos Coyotes and Revelstoke Grizzlies are back in action for game three Wednesday at the Forum in Revelstoke.
The teams split the opening two games in the South Okanagan City.
The Grizz won the opener with the Dogs winning game two in overtime.
Game four is set for Thursday in Revelstoke.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
