The Kootenay Ice secured their second win of the young Western Hockey League schedule last night on the strength of netminder Nathan Lieuwen’s 27 save performance and two first period goals that withstood the test of 60 minutes of play against the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Lieuwen posted his seventh career shutout, facing 25 Lethbridge shots in front of 2,370 faithful at the Cranbrook Rec-Plex to help position the Ice into first place in the Central Division. The Ice are undefeated at home thus far, with two wins to go along with an opening night defeat in Red Deer.

Veteran forward Jesse Ismond led the way up front for the Ice, scoring the first goal at 6:14 of the first period and assisting on Sam Reinhart’s second of the season, less than three minutes later.

Elgin Pearce and Joey Leach earned assists on Ismond’s goal and 6’4” blueliner Mike Simpson, making his season debut, secured his first ever WHL point with an assist on Reinhart’s marker.

The Ice’s next game is another home ice tilt against the Regina Pats on Friday, Sept. 30. Game time is 7 p.m. It will be the last time fans can get a look at the defending WHL champs in action until Oct. 12, as they embark on a three game road trip starting Oct. 2, playing Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, before returning home for a date with the Oil Kings.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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