The Nelson Leafs win a tight game in front of an international crowd at the Nelson District Community Complex Friday night. Taking on Columbia Valley Rockies, they defeated them 1 to 0.
The crowd, including a crew of 51 international students with their host families and friends, had to wait until the second period for scoring. After an evenly matched first, the Leafs put on the pressure in the second and outshot the Rockies 17 to 8. The only goal of the game came from Kyler Wilkinson from Dustin Reimer and Linden Horswill at 8:38.
Teams were disciplined with the only two penalties coming in the first period. Rockies Racey Red Crow was charged with high-sticking at 15:37. And Leafs Linden Horswill went to the box for the same infraction at 5:10.
Leafs Marcus Beesley got first star of the game for his performance between the pipes. Kyler Wilkinson earned second star for the game winner and Stewart Pratt from Beaver Valley was third star.
For many attending International Student Night, this was their first hockey game. The group of almost 100 makes this an annual event exposing students from Venezuela, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, China and Korea to one of Canada’s favourite past times.
The Leafs are headed to Spokane on Sunday where they'll take on the Braves. The win Friday puts them two points up on Castlegar Rebels who play the Rockies at home on Saturday.