Leafs explode past Cats 3-1 to complete weekend sweep
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Leafs exploded for three third-period goal en route to a 3-1 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League victory over the Creston Thunder Cats Saturday in the East Kootenay City.
The win was the second of the weekend for the Leafs.
Nelson opened weekend Thursday be edging the Grand Forks Border Bruins 2-1.
Linden Horswill, Colton McCarthy, with his fifth goal of the season, and captain Colton Schell on the power play, was all the goals Leaf netminder Cody Boeckman would need to secure the win.
Nelson dominated most of the game, firing a total of 42 shots at Cats goalie Michael Hails.
The Coldstream native was perfect through 40 minutes, holding the Leafs scoreless and keep the home town ahead 1-0.
Trevor Hanna scored the lone goal for the Cats.
Nelson, 2-1-1, moves into second spot in Neil Murdoch Division standings, one point behind defending KIJHL champion Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
The two Murdoch leaders begin a home-and-home series Friday in Fruitvale.
The Beaver Valley contest concludes a four-game road trip for the Leafs.
Nelson plays host to the Hawks Saturday at 7 p.m. in the NDCC Arena.
LEAF BANTER: Team captain Colton Schell is leading by example and leads the team in scoring with six points. Rookie Colton McCarthy is right behind Schell in points and Nelson in goals with five. McCarthy is also tied for the league lead in goals with Ryan Henderson of Columbia Valley. . . .Nelson rookie Jacob Boyczuk and defenceman Seth Schmidt each finished the Creston game with two assists. . . . Recently acquired forward Brendan Colter was in the lineup for both weekend games for the Leafs.
