The Fernie Ghostriders are holding second place in the BCHC’s Kootenay Division and return to the Fernie Memorial Arena for two home games this weekend against Beaver Valley and Summerland.
With a 6-3 record and 12 points after nine games, the Ghostriders remain among the division’s top teams, supported by strong goaltending, disciplined defensive play and the league’s leading penalty kill.
The Riders are coming off an eventful three-game weekend that produced a shutout victory in Grand Forks and losses to Nelson and Beaver Valley. The weekend also included an unexpected challenge when the team’s bus caught fire in Grand Forks, delaying their return to Fernie.
The Ghostriders remain in a strong position in the division standings, trailing Kimberley and sitting ahead of Beaver Valley, with both teams holding 12 points.
Kootenay Division standings as of October 15:
Fernie’s defensive performance has been a highlight of the early season. The Riders have allowed just 16 goals in nine games and boast a 94.6% penalty-killing rate, the best in the BCHC.
A Busy Three-Game Weekend
Friday, October 9: Nelson Leafs 5, Fernie Ghostriders 2
Fernie opened the weekend in Nelson, where Sawyer Samycia and captain Liam Breakenridge scored for the Riders.
Despite outshooting Nelson 35-26, Fernie couldn’t solve Leafs goaltender Jacob Armstrong often enough to secure the win. Leo den Besten started in goal before Kael Svenson took over during the second period.
Saturday, October 10: Fernie Ghostriders 1, Grand Forks Border Bruins 0
Kael Svenson delivered another outstanding performance, stopping all 27 shots for the shutout.
Sawyer Samycia scored the game’s only goal on the power play early in the first period, assisted by Spencer Bates and Koa Percival.
Grand Forks goaltender Cole Fox was equally impressive, stopping 30 of 31 Fernie shots.
It was Fernie’s second shutout victory over Grand Forks this season, following a 4-0 win in their season opener.
Sunday, October 11: Beaver Valley Nitehawks 5, Fernie Ghostriders 1
The Ghostriders faced an unexpected challenge following Saturday’s victory when their team bus caught fire in Grand Forks.
Forced to stay overnight, the Riders didn’t arrive back in Fernie until just two hours before their Sunday afternoon game against Beaver Valley.
Despite the disrupted travel schedule, Fernie outshot the Nitehawks 40-36 in front of 614 fans at the Fernie Memorial Arena.
Spencer Bates opened the scoring, assisted by Koa Percival and Sawyer Samycia, before Beaver Valley answered with five consecutive goals.
Samycia was one of Fernie’s most consistent offensive contributors throughout the weekend, scoring in the first two games and adding an assist in the third.
Two Ghostriders Home Games This Weekend
The Ghostriders return to home ice for two important matchups, beginning with a divisional contest against Beaver Valley.
Saturday, October 17 – Beaver Valley Nitehawks, 7 p.m.
Fernie will have another opportunity to face its Kootenay Division rival, with both teams entering the weekend tied at 12 points.
See the Beaver Valley game event page for event details, specials and tickets.
Sunday, October 18 – Summerland Jets, 2 p.m.
The Riders complete their home weekend against Summerland, with an earlier Sunday afternoon start.
See the Summerland game event page for event details, specials and tickets.
With second place in the division and Kimberley within reach, the Ghostriders have an opportunity to build on their strong start to the BCHC season. Two home games offer Fernie fans a chance to get behind the Riders as they push toward the top of the standings.
Game recap and photo: Fernie Ghostriders.
