Andrews powers Leafs past Border Bruins 4-2
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Blair Andrews scored twice and added an assist to spark the Nelson Leafs to a 4-2 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League victory over the Grand Forks Border Bruins Thursday night at the NDCC Arena.
The victory moves the Leafs into a third-place tie in points with the Bruins, who have lost three straight games. Both teams have 35 points but Nelson has one more victory than the Bruins.
Andrews opened the scoring in the first period on an innocent looking play. With the Leafs securing possession in the Bruins zone, Andrews slid a weak backhand that somehow got past Anthony Gilliart in the Grand Forks net.
Chad Grambo tied the game four minutes later. But Kolten Nelson, scoring his third of the season, gave the Leafs the one-goal advantage heading into the first-period break.
After a scoreless second period, the Leafs scored twice during a three minute span in the third to secure the victory.
Andrews, on the power play, and Kyle Chernenkoff, gave Nelson a 4-1 advantage.
Trey Mason beat Patrick Ostermann in the Nelson nets for the game’s final goal.
Nelson out shot the Bruins 33-23 in the contest.
The Leafs continue a three-game-in-three-night stint tonight in Fernie against the Ghostriders before returning home Saturday to face the defending KIJHL champion Kimberley Dynamiters at 7 p.m. in the NDCC Arena.
Meanwhile the Bruins host Castlegar Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Grand Forks Arena.
BLUELINES: Cleary Ambrose, signed at the roster deadline, was in the lineup for the Leafs. . . . Netminder Josh Williams, 18, also joining Nelson at the deadline from the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL, was not dressed. Kootenay Ice goalie Kurt Doyle was the second goalie dressed for Nelson. . . .The Leafs welcomes more than 80 international students to the game.
