By Matt Laurin
The Fernie Ghostriders find themselves trailing after three games in the first round of the 2013 KIJHL playoffs – and it comes at the hands of an old friend.
Brendan Burge scored the game winner late in the third period on Tuesday, as Columbia Valley took a 2 – 1 lead in the series.
Burge, who spent the better part of two seasons with the Riders, also scored the winner in the Rockies 5 – 4 overtime win in game one.
As expected, it’s been a close series between the division rivals. Neither team has led by more than a goal, which have become harder to come by in the last two contests.
Connor Lowe-Wylde scored both goals in the Riders 2 – 1 overtime win in game two, while Braeden Monk scored the lone goal in Tuesday’s loss.
The Ghostriders have dominated in the shot department, but goaltender Stewart Pratt has continued his consistent play between the pipes for the fourth-seeded Rockies.
Fernie must bounce back on Thursday night in Invermere, in order to avoid facing elimination when they return home to Fernie this weekend.
The Golden Rockets await the winner of this series, after sweeping the Kimberley Dynamiters.
The Riders next home game is on Friday, when they host the Rockies in a crucial game five in the 2013 KIJHL playoffs. As always, puck drops at 7:30 p.m.