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Leafs fourth in KIJHL Power Rankings

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
September 29th, 2022

Week One of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League is in the books and the Nelson Leafs currently sit fourth overall after the first Power Rankings behind defending champion Revelstoke Grizzlies, Fernie Ghostriders and Sicamous Eagles.

Nelson opened the current season with a pair of wins — 2-1 home ice victory against Princeton and 4-2 road win over Grand Forks Border Bruins. 

Bennett Anklewich and rookie Jason Scott netted the winning goals.

Rookie netminder Jasper Tait was in goal for both, posting a .958 save percentage to go with a 1.50 goals against average.

The Grizzlies started the season on fire thanks to a pair of wins — 9-0 against 100 Mile House and 5-4 shootout victory over Golden — while Fernie Ghostriders defeated Golden 6-2 before escaping with a 5-4 win against the Columbia Valley Rockies.

Sicamous Eagles opened their season with a pair of wins — 4-1 against Chase and 4-2 against 100 Mile House. 

Leafs add OHA U18 Prep forward to roster

The Leafs announced the signing of 2004 born forward Lucas Byrne to the roster for the 2022/2023 season.

Byrne, from Penticton, BC, will join the Leafs after starting the season with the Flin Flon Bombers of the SJHL. Byrne dressed in 1 game for the Bombers this season. Byrne spent last season with the OHA U18 Prep team in Penticton, BC, where he amassed 10 goals for a total of 25 points in 36 games.

During the pandemic shortened 2020/2021 season Lucas’ brother Matthew dressed in all 3 regular season games with the Leafs.

“Lucas is a very hard working and responsible player,” Says Head Coach Adam DiBella, “We believe that he will thrive in our system and are excited to have him in Nelson.”

Leafs host pair of weekend games at NDCC

Nelson is idle Friday before returning to the ice to host a pair of weekend games at the NDCC Arena.

Nelson meets Creston Valley Thunder Cats Saturday before seeing a return match against Grand Forks Sunday.

Both games have a 7 p.m. puck drop.

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