Kramer, Karran shine as Selkirk inches closer to playoffs with win over SFU

Selkirk College netminder Tallon Kramer stopped 43 shots and Jack Karran recorded his first BCIHL hat trick on Friday night as the Saints opened their two-game weekend home set against Simon Fraser University with a 4-1 win at the Castlegar Recreation Centre.

The Clan put 18 shots on Kramer during a scoreless first period where they carried the play but couldn't beat the second year netminder. Dylan Heppler would eventually open the scoring for the hosts midway through the second period, with SFU tying the game with 55 seconds remaining in the frame on a McKullen Astill goal.

Karran took over the game in the third period, posting a natural hat trick that began with the go-ahead goal just 34 seconds in. He would tack on a pair of goals late to secure a Selkirk win, with Jaiden LaPorte collecting two helpers.

Former Saints netminder Patrick Zubick faced 26 shots and took the loss in his second start in his old home rink.

With the win, the Saints move six points clear of the University of Victoria for fourth place in the BCIHL standings and a playoff berth. Selkirk's magic number to clinch a spot in the poastseason now sits at three points.

The teams will wrap the weekend series on Saturday night in Castlegar. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 PM faceoff.