A pivotal Game 5 takes place tonight at the Complex (7:30 PM start) as the Rebels and Braves look to break a 2-2 series deadlock. The home team has won every game thus far in the series, a trend the Rebels would obviously like to continue.
An early start is crucial for the Rebels to have success tonight. We saw what happened in Game 2 when Braves netminder Cash Ulrich was chased in the first period. Look for a big performance from Ryan Aynsley and Spencer Brodt as well, the two didn't muster much offence in the two games in Washington and will likely perform better in the Complex's friendly confines.
Ulrich will need a third straight strong performance for Spokane to head home up 3-2, and the likes of Joel Stewart, Dylan Tappe and Jake Peterson will need to show why they were the Braves points leaders as well.
Looking over statistics from the first four games, the two teams' respective points leaders may come off as surprising. Keagan Little's 5 points (3-2) for the Rebels are expected from a 20 year-old, but Spokane is led by defenceman Matt Tyson (0-4-4). Little's series-leading 5 points, by the way, are good for a share of 16th in the KIJHL, Chase's Tyson Bentley and Fernie's Jesse Niemi lead the way with 8. Spokane's Stewart is 2nd in playoff penalty minutes with 42, one behind Kimberley's Mason Spear.
There should be a webcast tonight, check the KIJHL website closer to game-time for more details. Hopefully tonight's audience will be even more boisterous and supportive than the two great crowds we saw in Games 1 and 2.
A couple other series could wrap up tonight. Nelson heads home to play Beaver Valley up 3 games to 1. Word is Scott Morisseau will play for the Nitehawks despite an injury. Creston Valley could eliminate Kimberley as well, they play Game 5 at John Bucyk Arena tonight.
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