Chris Stedile
Castlegar News
The Castlegar Rebels have dropped down to third place within their division after yet another weekend split.
The first match played out on Friday and saw the Beaver Valley Nitehawks returning after pummeling the Rebels 9-3 last week,
This game showcased a more focused and organized Rebels team.
Starting the game out strong, Castlegar held the line through the first and came out with two goals near the end, while allowing Beaver Valley nothing.
Yannis Soukas earned the first point and with one second remaining Ryan Rosich banged another in.
The second period opened with Nitehawks player Lyle Frank scoring on a power play. Another power play led to the next goal, only this time it was Rebels’ Cal Owens sneaking one past Nitehawks’ goalie, Drake Poirier.
The Hawks answered two minutes later when Braydon Horcoff scored on yet another man advantage.
From there on out it was all Nitehawks.
In the final period Tyler Hartman and Taylor Stafford found themselves a point each before the Rebels pulled their goalie in a last minute attempt. Unfortunately for Castlegar, Spencer Mclean was able to put away the final goal on an empty net and finish the game 5-3.
“We knew Castlegar was going to have a determined effort tonight,” said Nitehawks coach, Terry Jones, “and they were definitely tough.”
Jones said their team had a terrible first period but he thanks goalie, Drake Poirier for keeping them in until they could pick up the pace and really take control of the game.
The Nitehawks hold first place in the Neil Murdoch division.
The Rebels second home game was played the night after at the Castlegar Complex.
The Spokane Braves came across border to play but could not keep up with the Rebels, losing 3-1.
Castlegar goals were scored by Ryan Rosich (2) and Travis Wilkie.
Kyle Davis earned the Braves’ lone point at the tail end of the third period.
The Castlegar Rebels won’t be playing again until December 29, where they take the fight to Fruitvale in an attempt to conquer the Nitehawks.