Thunder Cats lose first two in Fernie

After advancing to the second round of the KIJHL playoffs last Friday, life doesn’t get any easier for the Creston Valley Thunder Cats.

Creston took game six by a 4-2 margin in Kimberley to finally put its arch playoff rival away. The Cats had won the first three games of the seven game series before the Dynamiters fought back with two wins of their own.

On Friday night, though, the Thunder Cats finally ended the series with a two goal effort from Travis Ludwar. Sean Maktaak and Jordan Johnson also scored for the local heroes, who got another strong effort from Sunny Gill in goal.

League powerhouse Fernie Ghostriders have jumped out to a two game series lead with a pair of narrow home game wins against Creston.

On Monday night the teams were tied going into the third period before Mark Wiest notched the winner in a 4-3 win for Fernie. Creston goals game from Maktaak, Joel James and Scott Swiston. The Cats had an edge in shots, 29-27.

It was another close match on Tuesday night, with Creston coming out on the short end of a 3-2 score. Fernie had a 3-1 lead until late in the game when Ryan Hewitt scored to make the finish another nail biter. Ludwar opened the scoring in the second period before the ‘Riders roared back with three straight markers.

The series continues in the friendlier confines of the John Bucyk Arena for games three and four tonight and Friday night. If necessary, game five will be played in Fernie on Saturday and the teams would return to Creston for game six on Monday night.

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