KIJHL teams back for final stretch run
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Leafs return to the ice today as the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League club begins the unofficial second half to the Junior B season Friday in Spokane.
Nelson, 19-13-0-2, enters the final stretch with little room for error as the club trails the two Murdoch Division front runners — Beaver Valley and Castlegar — each by more than 10 points.
Castlegar gave the third-place Leafs a little breathing room by knocking off the Murdoch leaders 3-1 Thursday in the Sunflower City. But Nelson still trails Beaver Valley by 14 points.
Authur Andrews and Tyler Robinson scored first period goals and Jordan Gluck made 30 saves to spark the Rebel win.
The win keeps the Rebels within striking distance — three points — of the Hawks. The teams meet again Friday in Fruitavale.
Meanwhile the Leafs travel to Spokane before hosting the Braves in the annual New Years Eve clash at 2 p.m. in the NDCC Arena.
Grand Forks, the other Murdoch Division teams, is idle until January 6 when the Bruins host Castlegar.
