KIJHL assured by Nitehawks security breach fixed rest of playoffs
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The crowd of Nelson fans lining up to complain about security at the Fruitvale Arena should be relieved hear the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League is dealing with the problem.
KIJHL president Bill Ohlhausen told The Nelson Daily the league had contacted Beaver Valley Nitehawks franchise about the incident that happened during the second-period intermission of Saturday’s Murdoch Division playoff game between the Leafs and Hawks.
Ohlhausen told The Nelson Daily he believes security will be improved for the rest of the playoffs.
“They are to have a meeting to set up a committee with the RCMP and municipality to fix up the entrance onto the ice for the visiting team,” Ohlhausen said.
“I had a call with Dennis (Bedin) and he told me (Hawks) are trying everything they can to stop any further incidents from happening.”
The incident occurred when the Leaf were leaving the ice following the second period.
A fan became involved with some of the Leaf players as the team walked from the ice to the dressing room.
The Nelson Daily has fielded many Facebook and text messages complaining about the security at the Fruitvale Arena during Hawks’ games.
Leaf president Larry Martel, not in attendance at Saturday’s game, also spoke with the league after accepting several cell phone calls from irate Nelson fans.
However, Ohlhausen believes the issue will be addressed and fans can go on cheering for their respective teams without any concerns.
“Overall, I don’t think big problem,” said the KIJHL president.
“I think it’s just two or three or four people causing all the trouble.”
“It’s in the (league) constitution that security is the responsibility of the home team and whether Beaver Valley needs more security people or more local RCMP attending games, that is up to them,” Ohlhausen added.
Beaver Valley leads the best-of-seven Murdoch Division Semi Final 3-1 with Game four set for Thursday in Fruitvale.
A win by the Hawks eliminates the Leafs from post-season play.
Should Nelson post the victory, the series would return to the NDCC Arena for Game six Friday.
If a seventh game were necessary, it would be played Saturday at the Hawks’ Nest in Fruitvale.
Camer rewarded for his special play on the ice
Robson Cramer is in his final season with the Nelson Leafs.
After two seasons with the Green and White, the Summerland native has made his final campaign one for the franchise history books.
Cramer, 20, was rewarded for his fine play on the ice before Tuesday’s Game four at the NDCC Arena by KIJHL vice-president Bill Sheard.
Sheard presented Cramer with two KIJHL awards — top defenceman in the Murdoch Division and top defenceman in the entire league.
Cramer has sign a commitment letter to play next season in the BC Intercolligiate Hockey League with Simon Fraser University.
Braves/Rebels locked in best-of-three series
Spokane Braves tied their series with Castlegar after posting a 6-0 rout of the Rebels Tuesday in the Lilac City thanks in part to the stellar netminding of Jon Manlow, who stopped all 43 shots.
The win sent the Braves back to the Sunflower City for Game five even in the best-of-seven series 2-2 with the favour Rebels.
Paxton Malone scored twice while Jonny Marzec, Lance Noomen, Sean Collins and Kyle Davis added singles.
Game six is Friday in Spokane. If necessary, Game seven is to be played Saturday in Castlegar.
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