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Leafs, Braves on notice following 'Twitter-Gate'

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
November 23rd, 2018

“Twitter-Gate” has definitely garnered the attention of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League President.

The war of words that lit up Twitter-verse following Sunday’s KIJHL game in Spokane between the Leafs and Braves has President Larry Martel sending out emails to both teams regarding social media policies.

“I gave both teams a copy of the league’s code of conduct in the KIJHL constitution and the BC Hockey Social Media Policy,” Martel told The Nelson Daily this week.

“I trust it will now end (as) we will not be reminding them anymore this season,” Martel added.

The war of words had Leafs coaches Adam and Mario DiBella sparring with Spokane fans following Sunday game where Nelson was penalized with more than 120 minutes while the host Braves spent 54 in the box. Nelson, already missing a host of players due to injury, had five players ejected during the game for fighting, a major penalty as well as misconducts.

Martel admitted the league has been a little relaxed in dealing with social media incidents. He said last year Castlegar coach Bill Rotheisler criticized officials but nothing was done by the league.

However, Rotheisler was whistled for an Abuse of an Official infraction during the next game, which led to a two-game suspension. Martel said he will closely monitor social media and fine teams using the platform to bully players or teams in the future.

More fallout from Spokane loss

When the Leafs take to the ice this weekend for two important Murdoch Division games against Castlegar and Grand Forks, the team, according to Martel, will be missing two players suspended following Sunday’s game in Spokane.

Forwards David Sanchez has been suspended two games after receiving a checking-from-behind major penalty.

Leafs will also be missing captain Jack Karran, suspended for Friday’s game in the Sunflower City after receiving a game misconduct in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Nelson is expected to have forwards Shawn Campbell and Tyler Nypower as well as defenceman Kaleb Comishen back in the lineup from injury.

Murdoch Rivals Take To The Ice

Leafs travel to Castlegar Friday to open weekend play against the Rebels.

Nelson holds a 2-0 series lead on the ice, but in the standings is 1-1 against the Rebels after one game was forfeited due to Leafs using an ineligible player.

Saturday, Nelson returns home to host Grand Forks Border Bruins. The Leafs lead the season series 2-0 over the Bruins, with wins September 14th in Nelson and September 22 in Grand Forks.

Both Castlegar and Grand Forks have struggled this season, both trailing Murdoch-leading Leafs in the standings by 20 and nine points, respectively.

New Moon not coming to Nelson

Nelson will not be getting forward Ryan Moon into the lineup anytime soon. The power forward was to have been traded to the Leafs from Cowichan Valley of the BC Hockey League last week.

However, the Capitals refused to release Moon to the Leafs, instead trading the Okanagan native to rival Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Moon has three goals and four assists in 14 regular season games with the Capitals. He spent the previous two seasons with the Trail Smoke Eaters, combining to score 14 goals and 30 points in 89 games. He also suited up in 11 playoff games last season as the Smoke Eaters advanced to the Interior Conference finals.

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