Leafs explode past Golden Rockets 9-3
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Nelson Leafs exploded for seven third period goals en route to a 9-3 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League pasting of the Golden Rockets Friday night at the NDCC Arena.
Leaf forward Andy Fitzpatrick, named Nelson’s game star, led the charge, scoring twice while adding two assists in the third frame as the Leafs handed Golden its ninth consecutive loss to open the season.
The teams were tied 1-1 after 20 minutes and 2-2 following the second period before Nelson jumped all over the Rockets.
Jordan Davie snapped the 2-2 tie with a goal 51 seconds into the third period.
Newcomer Nick Novin, scoring his second of the game, increased the lead to 4-2 before Leaf captain Rayce Miller scored to give Nelson a three-goal advantage.
Kyran Karol cut the margin to 5-3 with power play marker.
However, Tyler Garcia restored the three-goal advantage minutes later.
Garcia’s marker also was on the power play.
Eamonn Miller and Fitzpatrick completed the third period barrage as Nelson outshot the Rockets by a 23-3 margin.
Ren Mason, scoring his first goal for the Leafs this season, also scored for Nelson.
Terix Fischer-Kobes and Darion Nordick scored the other goals for Golden, which was out shot by a 45-21 margin.
Nelson returns to action Saturday when Beaver Valley Nitehawks visit the NDCC Arena. The Hawks lost for the second consecutive time Friday, 5-3 to Summerland Steam.
Puck drop is 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nelson hosts the Summerland Steam at 2:30 p.m. in the NDCC Arena.
LEAF NOTES: This is the first time this season Nelson has scored more than four goals in a game. The previous high came Friday, September 18 against Spokane Braves. . . . Andy Fitzpatrick finished the game with five points while Rayce Miller had four points. The explosion thrust Fitzpatrick into a four-way tie for top spot in Leafs scoring with seven points. Fitzpatrick is tied Jordan Davie, who leads the team in goals with six, Eamonn Miller and Brendan Smith. . . . Golden, which now has allowed a league high 56 goals, played the game with only 12 skaters.
