The Greater Trail Bantam Tier 2 Smoke Eaters punched their ticket to the provincial championship with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Nelson Bantam Tier 2 Leafs on Tuesday.
Owen Titus scored the winning goal four minutes and 28 seconds into the third period on a great individual effort. The goal clinched the West Kootenay provincial berth for the Greater Trail Bantams, winning the first-to-four point playoff with the two victories, that included a 3-1 win in Trail on Monday night.
Nelson opened the scoring at 3:59 of the first period when Aiden Osika beat Trail goalie Josh Ballarin. However, Bradley Ross would set up Tommy McConnachie midway through the period to tie it at 1-1.
Nelson took a 2-1 lead six minutes into the second period when Jacob Lindsay scored a power play goal with the assist to Reece Tambellini. Trail had their chances in the middle frame but couldn’t solve Nelson goalie Jake Kemp.
Down 2-1 heading into the third period, Ethan Jang would tie it on a set up from Keenan Crossman 1:35 into the period, before Titus netted his winner three minutes later. Ballarin would shut the door the rest of the way for the Smoke Eaters.
Trail will travel to Cranbrook for the Bantam Tier 2 provincials Mar. 20-25.
