NM Division Final Game 1: Rebels/Nitehawks

(BV leads series 1-0)

Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4


What a game!!!  THIS is what playoff hockey is all about! Fast-paced, hard-hitting, end-to-end action! Game 1 of the Neil Murdoch Division Final had all of the above. The barn was electric as tonnes of Rebel fans, who made the 45km trek south to cheer on their team, and a huge amount of Nitehawk supporters intermingled.

The first period was an ebb and flow of momentum as both teams relished puck control in the attacking zones while defenses were tested thoroughly. The entire period was so evenly matched that if not for a brief few seconds at the 9:30 mark, it could very well have been tied after 20. Brantley Schapansky would have none of that as he caught a Derek Lashuk arial pass and tossed it to his feet. Over the blue line and around the D, he made a move that was all goal-scorer and none of the board cruncher he is most known for. Alex Burrows himself couldn't have scripted it better as the forehand-backhand worked to perfection and BV grabs the all-important first goal! That lead would stand up into the intermission and spirits were high all over the arena. Shots were 14-14, which gives further indication as to how evenly match these two teams were in that period.

Coach Junker must have read the riot act during the first break as the Rebels came out with more determination. Their hard work and unbelievable passing eventually paid off on the power play as Eric Alden ripped a slapper from the point that beat "BIG" Mike Vlanich in the only place that was possible, post and in. Rebel fans exploded with excitement and the game was back to square one, literally. Despite further pressure and control, Castlegar was unable to add to it and we finished up the second knotted at 1.

Cue the tension!! If the 2nd period belonged to the Rebels, the 3rd was the Nitehawks! They re-asserted themselves and did not allow Castlegar to gain any purchase. Craig "Phenom" Martin gave BV the lead on a quick shot that beat Jordan Gluck low stick side just over 3 mins into the 3rd and the place went NUTS! I havent heard this much BV support all season!! Better late than never I guess. Just past the mid point and Martin pokes in another on a mad scramble in front of Gluck giving BV the 3-1 lead. Now, we have been HERE before! Three times this season, BV has held the lead late only to have Castlegar scramble and tie it to force OT. Tonight, however, they would NOT get that chance as Justin Niminiken hit the center of the net from his own blue line JUST as Gluck hits the bench. With a 3 goal lead and under a minute remaining, confidence was high that the win was solid, but the Rebels kept pressing and forced Vlanich to make some spectacular saves late. Nitehawks would hang on to win 4-1 and draw first blood in the series.

Games Stars:

BV - Mike Vlanich 31/32 saves
BV - Craig Martin 2G
CR - Jordan Gluck 30/33 saves

I would like to take a moment and recognize some talent here. Jordan Gluck proved to be an outstanding goalie who made sure that he kept his team in it. At least 10 of those 30 saves were legit strong scoring chances that he had to be extremely sharp on. The Rebels power play is also outstanding with the pass-pass-shoot and the Nitehawk defense HAD to bring their 'A' game to prevent damage.

Hardcore readers will have undoubtedly be waiting for this part....the officiating. What can I say that I haven't already. The quality of tonights game was sub-par as usual and to ME, it seemed to slant in Castlegars direction. I have found that I run out of word to describe it, and as it seems it will never be changed, will have to deal with it. Maybe I will just copy and paste rants from previous blog posts to save myself time and energy.

KIJHL Playoff Scores from tonight:

It was a home team sweep throughout the league. Riders fizzled the Nitros 5-2, Storm grounded the Eagles 4-2, and the Posse rode all over the Chiefs 5-1.

Next game for the Nitehawks is tomorrow night at 7pm in the BVA.