Defenceman Sheldon Hubbard made an impressive return to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks after an AP stint with the Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday. Hubbard netted a hat trick as the Hawks went on to beat the Border Bruins 6-2 in KIJHL action at the B.V. Arena Sunday.
After a 3-2 overtime loss in Spokane to the Braves Friday night, the Hawks were up bright and early helping Santa serve breakfast to hundreds at the Fruitvale Hall Saturday morning. The Christmas spirit obviously aided the fledgling Hawks as they traveled to Kimberley where they pummeled the Dynamiters 5-1 then spread the same Christmas cheer to Beaver Valley fans on Sunday with a 6-2 triumph over the Bruins.
The wins draw the Hawks within five points of the Neil Murdoch division leading Nelson Leafs who got pounded by the Fernie Ghostriders 7-2 on Friday. Meanwhile the resurgent Braves also beat the Border Bruins by an identical 3-2 overtime win on Saturday to draw within one point of the fourth and final playoff spot, currently occupied by the B's.
The top two teams, the Leafs and Hawks will battle it out at the Hawks Nest on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
See the Tuesday edition of the Trail Times for more on the Nitehawks.