Postgame: Rebels - 1 Nitehawks - 5

In the second of three home and homes to start the 2012/13 KIJHL season for the Nitehawks, BV faced-off against its arch-rival, Castlegar Rebels. To me, this was going to be the measuring stick in which to determine the potential outcome for the year. After watching the pains the boys were having in the pre-season, and the first 2 games of the regular season, I knew it was only going to be a matter of time before they started to get more familiar with each and comfortable on the ice. This weekend, we got a glimpse of what could be!

Friday, at the Complex in Castlegar, BV played very well despite the completely lopsided shot count and gutted out a 3-3 tie in a phenomenal game that saw CG up 3-1 early in the third thanks to 2 quick goals. BV fought back with goals by Maloski(PP) and Perez, while Zach Perehudoff was the star of the game(in spirit) saving 35 of 38 quality shots from Rebel skaters. After two periods of overtime, this game just couldnt decide a winner and ended in a stalemate.

Tonights game was a complete reversal as BV took the play to Castlegar most of the night. They started early on a solo effort from Dan Holland just seconds after exiting the penalty box. Then the Eddie Show began! Walker Sidoni was sidelined for tonights game due to a mandatory suspension for the major penalty he received last night on a hard hit to Mingus. In his place, Danny Vlanich was moved from forward to defense, where he played last year with the Langley Rivermen, and Ryan Edwards, coming off the injured list, filled the vacant forward position. It was Edwards first game back on skates since the pre-season game against Selkirk, and he made himself known!

Five minutes into period 1, and already up by one, CG took a roughing penalty and Edwards took just 7 seconds to respond giving BV a 2-0 lead they would never relinquish. Castlegar would respond before the periods end but it would be the only time Perehudoff would allow a puck past him!!

Riley Brandt added to the lead in the second with a beauty from Brandon Butlin and Holland. Kurt Black(PP) and Edwards put the game away with goals in the third as Rebel fans were rife with discontent regarding the inept officiating.

Yes, I actually agree with them. Sure the calls favoured BV for the most part, meaning we capitalized on our chances, and given the way the Hawks were outskating the Rebels, most of those were legit warranted calls. What still gets my gall up, and those of the fans, are the blatant MISSED calls that lead to a retaliation that in turn IS called, essentially rewarding the offending team. Tonights game was no different, and given the officials track record, it was no surprise. Lets just say, he did nothing to change the views of the public while he wears those stripes. Just call it fair and as you see it! Is it really THAT hard?? Maybe it is.....

After being shut off the star sheet in Castlegar (no surprise) even though he had a stellar night, Perehudoff got the nod for top star tonight in BV!!

Game Stars:

BV - Zach Perehudoff  -  32/33
BV - Kurt Black  -  1G
BV - Dan Holland  - 1G/1A

Next up for BV is on Friday, Sept. 28 in BV and Saturday in Nelson in their third home and home this early season. I, unfortunately, wont be able to make either game due to scheduled holidays but will be cheering from Kelowna!!