Ghostriders Weather the Storm

Fernie wins Game 1 in Double OT

Trevor Hertz scored his 2nd goal of the game at 4:47 of the 2nd overtime period to give the Fernie Ghostriders the opening win in KIJHL semi-final action last night at the Fernie Memorial Arena.

It was a great game with each team running through cycles of momentum, trading periods of dominance throughout. The nearly 900 fans were into it as they packed the old palace and their home team didn't disappoint.

Kamloops executed their game plan well most of the time and showed a lot of grit and determination to come back twice from a goal down after setting the tone early in the first period with a power play goal by Ryan Bullock.

The Storm did a very good job early in the game keeping high-scoring Fernie forward Martin Croteau under wraps but it was his supporting cast that also came to play and ultimately put the game away.

Kamloops wasn't without it's chances. In the overtime, Ryan Bullock had an opportunity when he forced a turnover and went in on a breakaway only to be thwarted by Fernie goaltender Evan Smith.

Both goaltenders, Smith and Storm backstopper Anthony Manfredi had solid games keeping their teams in the hunt when called upon. Manfredi made a Dominic Hasek type save in the second period to keep the score at 2-1 that kept the Storm within reach.

It was give-aways in the defensive end that ultimately cost Kamloops the game as Fernie displayed great puck possesion when they kept the puck in the Storms zone.

Other goal scorers for Kamloops were Lundy Trenaman and Anthony Collins, both capitalizing in the goalmouth area. Trenaman's was a nice tip in from a Paul Riddell point shot and Collins was johnny-on-the-spot picking up a rebound and tucking it under goatender Evan Smith.

Fernie had 2 goals from Hertz and 2 from David McIvor.

Game 2 goes tonight at 7:30 mountain time (6:30 Kamloops time) at the Fernie Memorial Arena. Game 3 will be in Kamloops on Sunday night, 7:30 at the Mac Park Sports Centre.

BOXSCORE