Chris Stedile
Castlegar News
With each outing against Beaver Valley’s Nitehawks, the Rebels get a little bit closer to tasting victory. Sadly, that victory has yet to come for the Castlegar team and their last game together was another loss.
In their tightest game in some time, the Rebels took the Hawks to overtime, but fell short in a 4-3 finish.
The hometown Rebels started out strong with a quick two goal lead, thanks to Cal Owens and Aaron Petten. The lead wasn’t squashed, but shortened when B.V. came out with 6:23 left in the first and netted a goal of their own.
On to the second period, Aaron Petten had victory in his sights. Before the 15 minute mark he had another goal on the board for his team, but in typical Nitehawk fashion, it wasn’t long before they closed the gap, via Ross Armour and ended the second period 3-2.
Going in to the third period the shot total sat at 23 a piece. The final regulation period swiftly changed that as the Hawks outshot Castlegar 24 - 11 and managed a goal of their own with under 2 minutes left, edging themselves back into the game and forcing an extra period.
Period number four was hard fought but in the end, Beaver Valley’s hero — who had also scored their tying goal — Taylor Stafford snuck one past Patrick Zubick in the final minutes and won it for B.V., 4-3.
The Rebels play the Nitehawks yet again on February 13 out in Fruitvale. Only to return home and battle again in Castlegar.
The final regular season game will play out the following night, Sunday, in Nelson against the Leafs.