2008 RBC Cup

KODIAKS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIRD PERIOD POWERPLAYS TO PULL OUT WIN OVER BRONCOS

Down one goal entering the third period against a team that had yet to be scored upon at the 2008 RBC Cup, the Camrose Kodiaks turned to their powerplay to pick up a big win.

Joe Colborne and Dylan Olsen scored goals on the man advantage in the final 8:25 as the Kodiaks stayed perfect at the National Junior A Championship with a 2-1 win over the Humboldt Broncos on Monday afternoon in the marquee match-up of the round robin.

Olsen’s wrist shot from the point beat a screened Taylor Nelson, moving the Kodiaks to 2-0 and all but assuring them of a spot in Saturday’s semi-finals.

The Kodiaks entered the game ranked first in Canada, according to the Canadian Junior Hockey League, while the Broncos, who fell to 1-1, were right behind in second.

The first period was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to generate many quality scoring chances. Humboldt had the advantage on the shot clock, 14-9, but could not get a puck past Camrose netminder Allen York.

With the Broncos on the powerplay midway through the second period, Lindskog was Johnny-on-the-spot after York robbed Matthew Kirzinger with a pad save, slipping the puck underneath the Kodiaks’ goaltender for a 1-0 lead.

Camrose replied on a powerplay of their own midway through the third period, as Colborne tipped in a Colin Dueck point shot to pull the Pacific Region champions even, setting up Olsen’s game winner just 1:57 later.

The Kodiaks dominated the third period, allowing the Broncos only two shots on goal and grabbing a 28-26 advantage overall.

The goaltenders, York and Nelson, were rewarded for their strong games with player of the game honours for their respective team.

Both teams have Tuesday off before returning to the ice at the Cornwall Civic Complex on Wednesday – the Broncos take on the Oakville Blades at 2:00 p.m. ET, while the Kodiaks face the host Cornwall Colts at 7:00 p.m. ET.