The Creston Valley Thunder Cats are closing the gap between third and second in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Eddie Mountain Division, thanks to three points earned on the weekend, when they beat the Fernie Ghostriders 4-3 (overtime) and 6-3.
Friday’s game in Creston was a “feisty” one, according to head coach Brent Heaven, with well over 100 penalty minutes handed out. But penalties aside, “I think we played a pretty solid game,” he said.
Each team scored once in the first three periods, with Creston goals by Jordan Johnson, Andrew Hodder and Brandon Formosa. Scott Swiston scored the unassisted game-winner four minutes into overtime, for an 11th consecutive home win.
With several players out and a couple of affiliate players in, the Thunder Cats visited Fernie on Saturday, earning a 6-3 win.
A goal by Swiston had the score tied at 1-1 following the first period.
“We told the guys after the first period to just continue to chip away and we’d get rewarded.”
Fernie scored again in the second period, but goals by Trevor Hanna (two), Trevor LeBlanc and Andrew Hodder gave the Thunder Cats a strong lead. Swiston scored Creston’s sixth goal in the third period, giving the Thunder Cats their fifth straight win over the Ghostriders.
“Creston, in the past, has had some struggles versus Fernie and I think in the last season, we’ve turned that around,” said Heaven.
This weekend, the Thunder Cats play their final games of the season, hosting Kimberley on Friday and Golden on Saturday, and visiting Golden on Sunday. Saturday’s game will feature the retirement of former captain Travis Ludwar’s jersey.