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Leafs rally to take commanding lead in Murdoch Semi against Spokane

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
March 3rd, 2020

The Nelson Leafs took a stranglehold on the Murdoch Division Semi Final with the Spokane Braves Monday night in the Lilac City.

Despite falling behind 2-1 and surrendering four power play goals, the Leafs were able to squeak out a 6-5 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League playoff victory to grab a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Divisional Semi Final.

Three goals seven minutes apart to start the third period proved to be the difference.

Brandon Costa snapped a 3-3 tie, scoring for Nelson less than 30 seconds into the third period.

Rookie Joe Davidson put Nelson up 5-3 with a power play goal before the always-dependable Reid Wilson netted his second of the playoffs to give the Leafs a three-goal advantage seven minutes into the third.

Owen Miley cut the margin to 6-4 with a power play goal before Alex Enegren made the game close, scoring in the final minute of the game.

However, Nelson was able to ride out the final seconds to take the key road victory.

David Sanchez, Shawn Campbell and Aiden Jenner also scored for Nelson. Campbell finished the game with four points while Jenner and Wilson each had two points.

Replying for Spokane were Alex Moore, Ryan McKenna and Derek Humphreys. Miley had four points for Spokane while Nate Wilson, Enegren, McKenna and Humphreys each had two points.

Spokane outshot Nelson 54-42 and finished four-for-11 on the power play.

Nelson was two-for-five with the man advantage.

Anderson Violette registered the victory in goal for Nelson while Austin Madge was tagged for his second loss of the series for Spokane.

The team resume action Tuesday in Spokane for Game four of the series.

If Spokane wins, Game five is scheduled for Thursday at the NDCC Arena.

Hawks edge Rebels in OT to lead series 3-0

For the second time in the series the Beaver Valley Nitehawks overcame a 2-0 deficit to edge the Castlegar Rebels in overtime.

Lucas Anselmo scored in the first extra period to lift the Hawks to a 3-3 overtime victory of the Rebels in Neil Murdoch Semi Final action Monday in the Sunflower City.

Ben Anderson, in the opening frame, and Keaghan Holub, early in the second, stake the home side to the early two-goal lead.

Bradley Ross scored on the power play midway through the second to cut the margin in half.

John Usselman tied the game midway through the third period, setting the stage for Anselmo’s heroics.

Beaver Valley outshot the Rebels 34-24 in the game.

Game four is Tuesday back in Castlegar. If necessary, Game five is set for Thursday in Beaver Valley.

Nitros bounce back, Rockies take commanding lead against Ghostriders 

In the Eddie Mountain Division, KIJHL Regular Season Champ Kimberley Dynamiters regained control of their semi-final series with the Thunder Cats, edging Creston 3-1 Monday.

Kimberley leads the series 2-1. Game four is Tuesday in Creston with Game five back in the Bavarian City Thursday.

In the other Eddie Mountain Semi Final, Columbia Valley Rockies went up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series with a 4-3 win over favored Fernie Ghostriders.

Game four is Tuesday in Invermere.

In the Okanagan Conference, Revelstoke Grizzlies and Princeton Posse took 3-0 leads in their best-of-seven series with road wins. Revelstoke defeated Kamloops Storm 3-1 and Princeton got past Summerland Steam 3-1.

100 Mile Wranglers and Kelowna Chiefs hold 2-1 leads after Chase Heat defeated 100 Mile House 4-2 and Kelowna got past North Okanagan 4-1.

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