Vlanich, Hawks take commanding lead in Kootenay Conference Final with 2-0 shutout, Chiefs remain in control in Okanagan
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Nitehawk goalie Mike Vlanich had a bounce-back game, stopping all 29 shots to backstop the Beaver Valley to a 2-0 Kootenay Conference victory over the host Ghostriders in Game four of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Playoff series Wednesday in Fernie.
Vlanich was in goal in Game two, the only win to date for the Ghostriders.
Christian Johnson scored the only goal the Hawks would need, netting the winner two minutes into the third period.
The Hawks now lead the best-of-seven Conference Final 3-1 with
Game five Friday in Fruitvale.
Despite playing in unfriendly surroundings, Beaver Valley out shot the Riders 10-8 in a scoreless first period.
Fernie rallied to take over the shots advantage in the third. But Johnson rained on the 677 fans parade by beating Fraser Abdallah in the Rider nets for the game winner.
Mason Spear added an empty net goal to give Beaver Valley the road sweep.
Eagles still flying in Okanagan
The Sicamous Eagles live to play again after stopping the Kelowna Chiefs 3-1 Wednesday in Okanagan Conference Final Wednesday in Sicamous.
Jagger Bowles scored twice and Brendan DeVries added a single as the Eagles won its first game of the series.
Kelowna remains in the driver’s seat, still leading 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.
T.J. Dumonceauz scored the lone goal for the Chiefs.
Kelowna can end the series Friday at the Rutland Arena.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
