Ross, Doyle combine to spark Kootenay Ice past Thompson Blazers
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Kootenay Ice skated into the Christmas Holiday break on a two-game unbeaten streak after scoring a 2-0 shutout of Thompson Blazers of Kamloops Sunday in BC Major Midget Hockey League action at the NDCC Arena.
Timely goals by Bradley Ross of Trail combined with stellar netminding from Nelson’s Curt Doyle paced the Ice to the shutout win.
Saturday, the two teams played to a 3-3 tie.
“We had a strong weekend overall,” said Ice coach Brian Jones.
“It would have been nice to have both wins but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”
Sunday, the teams took turns forcing the opposing goalies to be sharp before Ross converted the game’s first goal in the second period.
The Trail Minor Hockey product added some insurance with his second of the game midway through the third period.
Doyle then shut the door on the Blazers for Kootenay’s third game of the season. The win allowed the Ice to move into within two points of the Blazers in BCMMHL standings.
Saturday, Brendan Makay of Trail and Hunter Floris of Vanderhoof scored to give the Ice a 2-1 lead after one period.
Ross increased the lead to 3-1 with a goal in the second before the Blazers scored twice in the period to even the score at 3-3 after 40 minutes.
“Everyone played well all weekend and executed our systems really well consistently,” said Jones.
“Curt Doyle, with the shutout, and Brad Ross, offensively, stood out for us.”
Ben Kelsch of Nelson was in goal for the Ice.
Kootenay, a collection of players from throughout the region, returns to action January 9 against Greater Vancouver Canadians at the NDCC Arena.
