The Nelson Leafs lost to Sicamous Eagles last night 5-2 in the first of a two-game road trip.
Despite opening up the game with a power play goal by Dallon Stoddart just past the 10 minute mark in the first period, the Leafs struggled to capitalize on their man-advantage – scoring on only one of nine opportunities.
The Eagles tied the game up with 3:58 left as Brad Crump put it past Marcus Beesley in goal for the Leafs.
Colton Schell got the go-ahead-goal at 5:08 into the second from Aaron Dunlap and Bryce Nielsen making it 2-1.
But the Eagles would answer back taking advantage of Leafs penalties. Cameron Berry scored with 13:39 left in the second followed by a goal from Nathan Grieve at 2:59 left in the second. It was 3-2 after 40 minutes.
The third period was all Eagles. First star of the game, Berry scored again 23 seconds into play. And with six seconds left in the game Nicholas Astasiewicz put it into an empty net for a 5-2 final score.
With Castlegar Rebels downing Beaver Valley in Friday night action, the division rival continues to advance in the standings. Moving three points up on the Leafs, the Rebels also have a game in hand. The Nitehawks now sit just one point back of the Leafs in the Neil Murdoch race to the playoffs.
League-wide the Leafs fall to third place behind first place Rebels and North Okanagan Knights sitting second.
Tonight, the Leafs will play the Grizzlies in Revelstoke and next weekend, they will return to the Kootenays to play a critical home-and-home against the Castlegar Rebels. At home Saturday night, puck drops at 7 p.m.