Gameday: Rebels @ Nitehawks

The regular season ends tonight, as Castlegar visits Beaver Valley looking to exact some revenge for last night's 5-3 loss.

The Nitehawks pounced all over the Rebels early, and forced the home side to play catch-up all night. Castlegar, who were without veterans Mike Wiest, Ryan Aynsley and Spencer Brodt, eventually tied the game only to allow a goal on a late power-play.

Last night's game, despite meaning very little in terms of the overall standings, had a lot of physicality, chippy play, and most of all emotion. Both teams at times were frustrated, both teams threw big hits, and both teams engaged in numerous post-whistle scrums that even the greenest of observers could predict will continue tonight (7:30, Beaver Valley Arena).

Last Meeting: Last night's post says it all. Castlegar leads the season series 4-3 to this point, and hold a 2-1 record this season in Fruitvale.

Our Opponent: The Nitehawks are a young, physical squad, as evidenced by their play last night. One thing I noticed, stats-wise, during my prep yesterday was that 10 of the team's top 11 scorers are 16, 17, or 18 years old (the only exception being Ryon Sookro). Mike Vlanich was stellar yesterday, he dealt well with several traffic jams in his crease (and a couple in his net as well).

Broadcast Info: The 'Hawks crew will have the webcast at 7:30.

In the Press Box: Mike Wiest is out. The Rebels have called up AP Ben Meadows from Langley, the 17 year-old played a simple game last night, though played sparingly in the final 30-odd minutes. Don't be surprised to see Aynsley and Brodt left out of tonight's squad too. The Nitehawks will be without captain Colton Donselaar after he was ejected in the final ten minutes for arguing with the referee. Sookro could also be a scratch, he was checked late in the third period by Tyler Robinson and left the ice favoring his leg.

Out of Town: The Nelson Leafs are giving away a car tonight in their home fixture against Creston Valley. Check this story for more info. Grand Forks battles Columbia Valley tonight in a meeting of the only two teams left out of the KIJHL playoff picture this season. Keep an eye on Fernie and Kimberley's roster situation tonight as they meet in the Bavarian City. Already sporting short benches, things again got a bit out of hand in the Elk Valley last night.