Friesen sparks Wranglers past Nitros in KIJHL Championship opener
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The road back to the top of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League hit a pothole for defending champion Kimberley Dynamiters Saturday in the Bavarian City.
Ryan Friesen scored the game-winner with six minutes remaining in the game to spark the 100 Mile House Wranglers to a 2-1 win over the Dynamiters in Game one of the League Championship series.
The Wranglers now secured home-ice advantage as the team prepare for Game two of the best-of-seven series Sunday in Kimberley.
Kimberley opened the scoring in the game as Jordan Busch scored a power play marker with assists by Sawyer Hunt and Jared Marchi seven minutes into the first period.
The hosts outshot the Wranglers 11-3 in the frame.
Kimberley maintain the lead until Friesen set up Kolby Page with the game-tying marker in the third period.
100 Mile House kept up the pressure, out shooting the Nitros 10-6 in the period, until Friesen beat Tyson Brouwer for the winnner.
100 Mile House, defeating Summerland Steam to advance to the KIJHL final, held a 27-23 shots advantage in the game.
The series shifts to 100 Mile House for Games three and four of the series Tuesday and Wednesday.
