No playoffs for Bantam Rep Leafs as squad loses numbers game with B.C. Hockey
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Playoffs will not be in the cards for the Nelson Leafs Bantam Reps after B.C. Hockey designated the Nelson Minor Hockey Association squad Tier II for the upcoming post season.
Realizing the team, which plays in the Tier III division, cannot compete with the elite Trail Tier II squad, Nelson has decided not to enter the playoff round.
B.C. Hockey made the decision after the Reps needed players get players from outside the Nelson Minor Hockey catchment area to ice a team.
This decision meant the Reps needed to take the numbers from the other district, pushing the team into the Tier II division.
“There will be no playoffs for the team this year as B.C. Hockey has designated us Tier 2 and we will not therefore be competing against Castlegar for a bid for Provincials in Burnaby,” a team spokes person told The Nelson Daily.
“The team has opted instead to attend a tournament in Abbotsford in March over the break.”
The Bantams have had a light schedule since the Christmas break, scoing a wins over Castlegar 6-3 and 5-4 and a lopsided victory 7-1 over Rossland Tier III.
Micah May scored twice against Rossland to lead the Reps.
Amit Bhabra, Carson Arcuri, Jacob Shukin, Everett Hicks and Logan Mengler also scored for Nelson.
Nelson led 4-0 and 6-1.
Against Castlegar, May scored midway through the third period to lift the Reps to the narrow victory.
Justin Podgorenko scored twice while Mengler and Austin Tambellini added singles.
Replying for Castlegar was K. Klimchuk with a pair while Garret Patterson and Jake G added singles.
The Bantam Leafs concludes the West Kootenay League schedule Saturday at the Civic Arena against Castlegar.
Game time is 4:15 p.m.
