Braves explode for three third-period goals to double Leafs 4-2
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Spokane Braves scored three times in the third period en route to a 4-2 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League victory over the Nelson Leafs Wednesday night in the Lilac City.
The loss comes on the heels of the Leafs announcing earlier in the day that coach and GM Dave McLellan, along with assistant coach Greg Andrusak, had parted ways with the Heritage City franchise.
Assistants Sean Dooley and Stathis Dimopoulos were behind the bench for the Leafs Wednesday night.
Mason Jones, Elliott Plourde and Paxton Malone scored during the third-period explosion.
Jordan Davie, the hero of Tuesday’s 4-3 OT home-ice win over Grand Forks that snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Leafs, and Malone scored during a 1-1 first period.
Davie was also selected Nelson’s game star.
Andy Fitzpatrick gave Nelson a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes before the Braves third-period rally.
Zackery Babin, winless in three starts for Nelson, was in goal. The Surrey BC native was solid between the pipes for Nelson as he faced 34 shots as Spokane out shot the Leafs 34-22 in the game.
Nelson is now off for the Christmas break before returning to action December 30 in Beaver Valley.
The next day the Leafs host the Nitehawks in the annual New Year’s Day contest at 2:30 p.m. in the NDCC Arena.
