Howell scores OT winner to spark Leafs past Braves
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Dale Howell scored twice, including the game winner in extra time, to spark the Nelson Leafs to a 5-4 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League overtime victory Tuesday night at the NDCC Arena.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak and helped Nelson finish the month of November on a positive note after dropping eight of ten games.
After the two teams exchanged goals in the first period, Nelson grabbed a 3-2 lead following 40 minutes of play on two later period goals by Sawyer Hunt, on the power play, and Ryan Piva.
The goals came in the final three-plus minutes.
Elliott Piourde tied the game early in the third period before the Leafs hardest worker, Samuel Weber, regained the lead with 13 minutes remaining in the period.
However, the Braves tied the game as Niko Corsaro beat Devin Allen in the Leafs net with 22 ticks left on the clock to force overtime.
Trail Thompson and Carter Jones also scored for Spokane.
Nelson out shot the Braves by a wide 52-32 margin, including a 33-16 count after two periods.
But J.J. Pichette continually frustrated the Nelson players with several key saves to keep the Braves in the contest.
Nelson, improving to 10-14-0-0-2, returns to the ice this weekend with a pair of home games.
Saturday, the Leafs play host to Creston Valley Thunder Cats before hosting division rival Grand Forks Border Bruins Sunday at 2 p.m.
Creston is currently the top team in the KIJHL with a 19-4-1-0-1 record.
