Gameday: Rebels @ Thunder Cats

It's a short hop over the Salmo-Creston, as the Castlegar Rebels make their only trip to Creston tonight (7:30, John Bucyk Arena). The Rebels have had 4 days of practice to learn from last Saturday's 5-3 loss against Spokane, and they'll surely face a test in both of their weekend games against Creston and Beaver Valley. Castlegar still leads the Neil Murdoch division with a 7-2 record and are undefeated in 3 road appearances thus far.

Our Opponent: Creston Valley is another veteran-laden team, with 6 of their top 7 scorers being either 19 or 20 year-olds. The Thunder Cats (5-4-0, 2nd Eddie Mountain Division), are led by a pair of Calgarians, Ryan Hewitt and Scott Swiston, while 20 year-old Travis Ludwar has scored 70 career KIJHL goals. The Rebels could see a vaguely familiar face in goal: Arizona product Ryan Garber is the number one tendy in Creston, he of course spent last year in Grand Forks and was a late cut of the BCHL's Merritt Centennials this season. The Thunder Cats are second only to Kamloops in terms of penalty minutes assessed. They've racked up 356 already this year, though Castlegar isn't far behind with 328. Creston Valley has won 4 of their last 6 games, including a 2-1 overtime win in Golden last Saturday.

Broadcast Info: Our friends in Creston will have the webcast beginning at 7:30.

Next 5:
Sat. 10/09 vs. Beaver Valley, 7:30 PM
Fri. 10/15 vs. Nelson, 7:30 PM
Sat. 10/16 @ Grand Forks, 7:30 PM
Fri. 10/22 vs. Spokane, 7:30 PM
Sat. 10/23 vs. Fernie, 7:30 PM

Out of Town: After a few off days for everyone, there are 7 other games on the Friday KIJHL schedule. Every other Neil Murdoch division team is in action, most notably Nelson visiting Beaver Valley. Spokane hosts the Kimberley Dynamiters while Grand Forks welcomes the Golden Rockets.

Bits & Bites: One trade to pass along: North Okanagan shipped 19 year-old forward Quinn Gallacher to Kelowna for futures. The Lake Country native had a goal in two appearances with the Knights this season. Kelowna is unveiling a third jersey tonight in their game against Osoyoos. My guess is something red, but we'll have to wait and see!