Captain Schell leads by example as Leafs shock Hawks to grab early lead in Murdoch playoffs, Rebels dust off Braves 6-0
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Leafs ushered in the playoffs in a big way, by snapping a late season slide with a 6-1 trashing of the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in Game one of the Murdoch Division semi finals Friday in Fruitvale.
The Leafs lead the best-of-seven series 1-0 with game two back in the Hawks Nest Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Nelson entered the series going O-for-February with seven consecutive losses to end the regular season.
Team captain Colton Schell, saying before the series started his believes Nelson had the team that could go far in the playoffs led the charge with five points including a pair of goals.
Bryce Nielsen also scored twice while Linden Horswill and defenceman J.J. Beitel added markers.
Both Horswill and Beitel finished the game with three points while defenceman Kyler Wilkinson had two assists.
Dan Holland scored the only goal for Beaver Valley winners of four straight over the Leafs.
Surprise starter Brett Soles was solid between the pipes stopping 48 of 49 shots.
Zach Perehudoff took the loss making only 23 saves.
Nelson scored three power play goals and added a shorthanded tally by Beitel.
After a scoreless first period Nelson busted open the offensive gates to lead 3-1 following the second period.
Castlegar opens with 6-0 shutout of Spokane
Darren Medeiros scored twice to lead the Castlegar Rebels to a 6-0 pasting of the Spokane Braves in Game one of the Murdoch Division semi finals Friday in the Sunflower City.
Jamie Vlanich, Hunter Jenerou, Brenden Heinrich and Bryan Lubin also scored for the Rebels.
Jordan Gluck made 23 saves to register the shutout in goal.
