Leafs snap winless streak by stopping Spokane Braves 2-0
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Leafs returned to the win column, snapping a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Braves in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League action Sunday in Spokane.
A powerplay goal by Jordan Davie, combined with solid netminding by Joe Barton, sparked Nelson to the shutout win.
Davie combined with the two Austins — Anselmo and Lindsay — to beat Trevor Dilauro in the Spokane nets for the first goal of the game.
Brendan Smith added an insurance marker in the third period, also on the powerplay, to secure the two points for the Green and White.
Barton bounced back from a loss Friday to Beaver Valley to register the shutout in goal for Nelson.
The Leafs carried the play for most of the game, pounding Dilauro with 56 shots, including a 25-5 advantage in the third period.
Nelson, improving to 4-4 on the season for third spot in Murdoch Division standings, now returns to the NDCC Arena for a three-game home stand beginning Friday against Golden Rockets.
Saturday, the Leafs host Beaver Valley before concluding the Thanksgiving Day weekend with an afternoon affair against Summerland Steam.
ICE CHIPS: With the goal, Brendan Smith moves into the scoring lead for Nelson with six points — three goals and three assists — one point ahead of Jordan Davie. . . . Spokane knocked division rival Beaver Valley from the unbeaten ranks Saturday by edging the Hawks 2-1 in Fruitvale. Spokane netminder Blake Norman stopped 44 of 45 shots to power the Braves to the upset victory. . . . Beaver Valley and Castlegar are now tied for top spot in the Murdoch Division, each with 14 points. Castlegar has played one more game than the Hawks.
