Rebels 4 Border Bruins 3

Ryan Aynsley's wraparound midway through the third period broke a 3-3 tie and kept Castlegar's unbeaten start alive as they edged Grand Forks 4-3. The Rebels quickly built up a 3-0 lead after one thanks to goals from Stuart Walton, Aynsley and Arthur Andrews on a penalty shot, but Grand Forks came back with a vengeance. Zach Thompson put the Bruins on the board at the 9 second mark, the Bruins then got singles from Nick Van Damme and Rebel camp attendee Brett Basnett to even the score after 40 minutes. Alex Ross picked up the win in goal for the Rebels, while Grand Forks goalie Garrett Muir was tagged with the loss despite making 40 saves.

The Rebels again got into penalty trouble tonight. Taylor Anderson was tossed in the second period for a check from behind, while Aynsley served a 10 minute misconduct for a board on Grand Forks d-man Lucas Hildebrand, who left the game and didn't return. The Border Bruins scored twice on 8 power-play opportunities.

Full marks tonight to a scrappy club from the Boundary who didn't quit even when down by a lot, early. Thompson, as advertised, was dangerous every shift, and Hildebrand was the team's most effective puck mover at the back end before getting hurt. The Rebels' top line was again dominant: Aynsley's first goal a top-shelf beauty thanks to a lovely feed from After the game head coach Steve Junker lauded the performance of his short-staffed defence, as well as good efforts from youngsters Andrews and Diego Bartlett up front.

Bits & Bites: The Rebels now play once in the next ten days, that game is Saturday when the Penticton Lakers pay their only visit of the year. The Rebels have signed 16 year-old forward Adam Smith, who was cut by the WHL's Portland Winterhawks. He sat out tonight's game to serve a one-game suspension incurred in that league's pre-season. Creston Valley has also been forced to practice in both Cranbrook and Castlegar this week. The team's been temporarily booted out of their rink thanks to a fall fair.