You can't call the Nelson Leafs a first-place team anymore. At least not for now.
That honour belongs to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks who claimed top spot in the KIJHL's Neil Murdoch Division thanks to a 6-2 win over the Leafs on Sunday.
The victory gives the Nitehawks 55 points, one better than the second place Leafs.
However, Nelson has the chance to reclaim top spot as the two teams play again on Tuesday afternoon (December 31) at 2:30 p.m. at the NDCC.
Sunday;s game saw Beaver Valley jump out to a quick lead. Braden Fuller gave the Nitehawks a 1-0 advantage in the opening 10 minutes of the first period.
It appeared that Nelson was going to keep it close as Carson Willans bulged the twine before the nd of the first to tie the contest at one.
However the second period was all Nitehawks. Goals by Archie McKinnon Russell Mortlock and Mitch Foyle blew the game wide open as Beaver Valleu took a 4-1 lead into the final frame.
Dallas Calvin made it 5-1 before Nelson's Robson Cramer scored the Leafs final goal.
Braden Fuller closed out the scoring.
Leafs goaltender Brad Rebagliati was busy in the nets, stopping 43 of the 49 shots that the Nitehawks peppered his way.
Brett Clark earned the win in the nets for Beaver Valley.