The Castlegar Rebels were one point back of Grand Forks in the chase for the final Neil Murdoch Divison playoff spot heading into a match Tuesday after falling to Fernie and thumping Spokane over the weekend.
The Rebels (12-26-0-6) had one game in hand on the Bruins (13-27-1-4). Castlegar was due to play in Nelson on Tuesday, past the News’ deadline. On Friday the Rebels will play a critical match in Grand Forks.
Last Friday, Fernie beat Castlegar 5-3.
The Rebels came back from a 1-0 first period deficit to take a 2-1 lead on goals by Griffen Ryden and Tyren Grimsdale. In the second, Fernie tied it, then went ahead on a power play, but Justin Duguay scored with 16 seconds remaining to knot the score at 3-3.
In the third, Fernie scored a power play goal and sealed the victory with an empty netter.
Dawson Rattai made 28 saves as Castlegar outshot Fernie 48-33.
On Sunday, the Rebels blasted Spokane 7-3. Andrew Rennie opened the scoring on an early power play goal. Spokane tied it but Jordan Adams replied to put the Rebels ahead 2-1 after one.
Spokane tied it again in the second with a powerplay goal of their own, but Frazier Mohler scored to make it 3-2 for Castlegar after two.
In the third, the Rebels unleashed their offence, scoring four times, including two from Josh Wiens. Ryden and Keaghan Holub had the others.
Wiens also added an assist while Mohler had a pair of assists. Cortez Favot and Mason Hartman each contributed a pair of helpers as well.
Dawson Rattai made 31 saves in net. The Rebels held a 35-34 edge in shots.
