The U18 Nelson Selects fought hard in their Provincial B Cup games, but their efforts came up short. The team ended up coming seventh place last weekend in Aldergrove.
In their first match the Selects faced a strong North Delta team. Tensions were high, as it was an important game for both squads.
Nelson had possession of the ball for the majority of the first half and was able to get a 2-1 lead. The second half proved to be more difficult for the boys, as Delta put on more pressure.
Midway through a fight broke out between two Delta players and one Nelson player. All three were ejected from the game and were given two game suspensions.
With only minutes left in the game, and the score still 2-1, Delta put on one last burst of pressure. The Selects were not able to handle the onslaught of chances and Delta tied the game up, which made the final score 2-2.
The next game against Prince George was similar to the first with both teams being evenly matched. The final score was 1-1 which did not truly reflect the game, as Nelson had much more possession especially in the second half.
Nelson’s third game was against a weaker Saanich team that had lost their two other games already. If Nelson were to win they would have been potentially playing for a medal finish, but they fell short.
Saanich surprised the Selects with an early goal that put Nelson on the defensive. After the first half the score was still 1-0.
In the second Saanich scored another early goal which pushed their lead to a two goal spread. The Selects responded with a goal from a penalty shot, cutting the lead in half, but later Saanich would go on to score one last time. Again giving them a two goal lead.
With only a mere 10 minutes left in the game Nelson was awarded another penalty shot, which was once again scored. Now the game was 3-2. The Selects put on some final pressure, but it was too little too late.
The loss put Nelson fourth in their pool, which was disappointing for the team. Who would now be playing for seventh.
The Selects final match was against the home team Aldergrove. A five-goal outburst in the second half helped the Selects to a 6-1 win and confirmed the U18’s seventh place finish in the province.