Knights ride 56 save performance of netminder Nikkel to force another game in KIJHL Final
By The Nelson Daily Sports
It’s been more than a decade since Castlegar hockey fans celebrated a Kootenay International Junior Hockey League title.
So waiting a few more days shouldn’t be that big of a problem.
The North Okanagan Knights staved off elimination by edging out the Rebels 3-2 in Game four of the KIJHL Championship Saturday in Armstrong.
Despite being outshot 58-20, the Knights found just enough offence to steal the victory and force Game five of the best-of-seven series Monday back in the Sunflower City.
Castlegar holds a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Dryden Profeit, Connor Richards and Mat Lambert, with the winner in the third, scored for the Knights.
That would be all the scoring netminder Dustin Nikkel would need as the game’s first star frustrated the Rebel shooters all game long.
Darren Medeiros, unassisted in the second, and Stuart Walton, with time running out in the third, replied for Castlegar.
North Okanagan held period leads of 1-0 and 2-1.
Castlegar netminder Jordan Gluck lost for the first time in the Championship series.
PLAYOFF BANTER: Monday’s puck drop at the Castlegar Complex for Game five is 7:30 p.m. . . .The Victoria Cougars booked tickets to the Cyclone Taylor Cup by sweeping the Comox Valley Glacier Kings in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League Final. Victoria joins host Comox Valley in the Cyclone Taylor Cup beginning April 11 on Vancouver Island. . . . Richmond Sockeyes swept out the Aldergrove Kodiaks to win the Pacific Coast Junior Hockey League title and earn a berth into the Cyclone Taylor Cup.
