The Castlegar Rebels scored twice in the second period then held on for the 2-1 win Thursday in Fruitvale, to take a 2-1 Murdoch division series lead over the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
Jamie Vlanich took a pass from Diego Bartlett in the slot, and ripped a wrist shot over the blocker of Hawks goalie Zach Perehudoff to score the winner with 4:13 to go in the second period.
The Nitehawks had the edge in play through Game 3 of the series but couldn't beat Rebel goalie Jordan Gluck, until a 5-on-3 power play two minutes into the middle frame. Dallas Calvin sent a perfect cross-ice pass to Ryan Edwards at the side of the net. The Hawks forward one timed it past Gluck, to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. But Eric Alden brought Castlegar even on another assist from Bartlett at 12:46 to set the stage for Vlanich's winner.
The Nitehawks outshot the Rebels 29-27.
Game 4 goes tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Beaver Valley Arena.