Leafs outlast Rebels 7-4 to sweep through exhibition season
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Darnel St. Pierre scored two third period goals to spark the Nelson Leafs to a 7-4 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League exhibition victory over the Castlegar Rebels Wednesday at the NDCC Arena.
The win allowed Nelson to finish the preseason undefeated in five games and completed a sweep of the Rebels in the home-and-home series.
During the exhibition season Nelson outscored the opposition 31-10.
Blair Andrews also scored twice for Nelson with singles coming from Jamie Vlanich, Brandon Sookro and Carsen Willans.
Derek Georgopolus, with a pair, Chase Rendin and Quinn Klimchuk replied for Castlegar, which jumped into a 2-0 lead early in the first period.
Nelson outshot the Rebels 35-21 with Tyler Moffat and Adam Maida splitting the netminding duties.
The two teams open the season Friday in Castlegar as the current KIJHL Champs prepare to defend the 2013 crown. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Castlegar Complex.
Nelson returns to the NDCC Arena Saturday to meet the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in the team’s home opener.
Game time is 7 p.m.
