The Nelson Junior Leafs dropped a tough one to the Fernie Ghostriders on Thursday night, losing 3-2 in overtime.
With a new look line-up that was minus leading scorer Patrick Martens and pair of new defenceman, the Leafs fell behind 2-0 in the first period at the Fernie Memorial Arena. The Leafs were outshot 12-3 in the opening frame, but Andrew Walton kept his team close.
Late in the second period Leafs forward Colton Malmsten scored on the powerplay to close the gap to 2-1.
In the third period the Ghostriders again controlled the play, firing 12 more shots at Walton. With just under six minutes left in regulation Max Mois evened the score.
In the overtime period it was Walton who again gave the Leafs a fighting chance turning away seven shots, but with two minutes left to play Zach Traverse scored on the powerplay to give the home side the victory.
Walton was named the first star of the game for his 37-save effort.
The Leafs return home Saturday night take on the Grand Forks Border Bruins. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the Nelson and District Community Complex.