Nelson Leafs struggles continues, drop 2-1 decision to Spokane Braves
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Leafs continue to limp toward the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League post season.
Nelson, looking more like a MASH unit than a hockey team, dropped its second straight game — five of the last eight — falling 2-1 to visiting Spokane Braves Friday night at the NDCC Arena.
This is the same Spokane squad Nelson pummelled 7-2 Sunday in Nelson.
With only 13 skaters on the game sheet, including 15-year-old Reece Tambellini, the Leafs struggled to find any offence against the Braves.
Spokane found all the offence it would need during a two-minute span in the second period when Paxton Malone and Troy Pichette scored past Josh Williams in the Nelson nets.
Kolten Nelson, scoring his fourth goal in three games, potted the only goal in the third period for Nelson.
Spokane out shot the Leafs in every period, finishing the contest with a 38-21 advantage.
Nelson, missing defencemen Dash Thompson, Brendan Smith and Aigne McGeady-Bruce along with forwards Eamonn Miller and Blair Andrews from the lineup concludes the regular season Sunday in Grand Forks.
The Border Bruins tuned up for what promises to be a great series against Castlegar, battled the Rebels at home before losing 5-4 in overtime.
Nick Headrick scored the winner in the first overtime period.
The loss comes three days after Grand Forks defeated Castlegar in overtime by the same 5-4 score.
For the Leafs, dropping to 20-29-0-0-2 on the season, it’s a day off to rest before opening the KIJHL Murdoch Division semi final playoff round Tuesday in Beaver Valley against the high-powered Nitehawks.
Game two is Wednesday, also in Fruitvale before the series shifts to the NDCC Arena for Games three and four, Friday and Saturday.
If necessary, Game five is Monday, February 29th in Beaver Valley.
