The Fernie Ghostriders just finished off a great weekend with a 5-3 win over the first place Columbia Valley Rockies and a 9-3 home ice win over the Castlegar Rebels.
In Invermere the Rockies were cruising along with a 3-1 lead in the second period thinking well, it’s just another win, until the Riders surprised them and probably most of the KIJHL hockeyverse when they scored 4 in a row and handed the Rockies just their sixth regulation loss this season.
The goal scorers were Ethan MacDuff with two including the game winner, Taylor Haggerty (2) and Gaege Johnson. Kort Kisinger, Jack Lambert and Liam Fitzgerald each had two assists.
In the Rebel game Kort Kisinger, Taylor Haggerty (2) Scott Sinclair, Jack Lambert, Lucas Desjarlais, Ethan MacDuff, Liam Fitzgerald, and Andrew Karam scored the goals.
Fernie sits in 4th place with a 7 point lead and only 10 games remaining in the regular season the Riders will most likely be in the playoffs.
Game Notes
Rodney Hanson, who hadn’t played since November 19th, played both games and got two huge wins for his teammates… and his confidence.
Playing with 15 skaters suited Haggerty, MacDuff and Kisinger who racked up 8 goals and 18 points along with some much needed secondary scoring such as Rylan Cardinal getting 3 assists on Saturday.
The coaches may not like being shorthanded but I’d bet anything the players love all the ice time.
Vin Jackson left the Riders and want’s to play in Creston. The odds are overwhelming that someone from Creston has been talking to him… Just sayin.
Jack Karpyshyn, Cole Fournier and Liam Samycia are all out with injuries. Meanwhile the unhappy Josh Prebushewski and Michael Romeo were traded to the PIJHL
Eli Neilsen is a former team mate of Andrew Kennedy. The 18 year old D-man was in Fort Francis Ontario (SIJHL) but is from Edmonton.
Eli, 6’3” 190 was in amongst the 715 Rider faithful Saturday. Only carding issues kept him from playing.
The next Riders home game is January 13th against Chase. Get out and support our team!
KIJHL opinions are George Hurlbut’s and not approved by anyone
