By Sara Moulton
Free Press Staff
The Fernie Ghostriders playoff campaign ended in a 7-1 loss against the Kimberley Dynamiters on Monday, March 3.
The Dynamiters started strong in the best of seven series, winning the first two games before the Riders managed to come back with a victory of their own on Friday, February 28. However, with a third win in Fernie the following night, the Dynamiters needed only one more victory to clinch the series and secure a place in the second round.
Kimberley received their wish in front of over 500 spectators in their home arena on Monday night with a convincing victory over the Riders. While Ghostrider Josh Teves opened the scoring less than five minutes into the game, the Dynamiters went on to score seven unanswered goals to win the game and the series.
Despite a well-known rivalry between the two teams, the Riders were praised by their hosts after the game for their sportsmanship and conduct throughout the series. Social media exchanges between the players and their supporters displayed a range of emotions, particularly for those who have now completed their final junior hockey season.
The Dynamiters will now face Creston in the second round of the playoffs.
Final results for the five playoff games were:
Tuesday, Feb. 25: Kimberley 5-2 Fernie in Kimberley
Wednesday, Feb. 26: Kimberley 5-2 Fernie in Fernie
Friday, Feb. 28: Fernie 4-1 Kimberley in Kimberley
Saturday, Mar. 1: Kimberley 5-4 Fernie in Fernie (overtime)
Monday, Mar. 3: Kimberley 7-1 Fernie in Kimberley