Edwards hat trick powers Selkirk College to win in Game 1 of BCIHL Finals

Selkirk College opened the 2015 BCIHL Championships with a home ice win on Friday night, taking full advantage of a hat trick by rookie forward Ryan Edwards en route to a 3-1 decision over Simon Fraser University.

Edwards struck twice in a span of less than three minutes early in the second period to break a scoreless draw and give the Saints all the offence they would need on the night. Both goals came off the rush with the 21-year old blasting wrist shots past Clan starter Jordan Liem.

SFU struggled to find their stride offensively in Game 1, directing just 15 shots on goal. But they did pull within one midway through the third period, as Graham Smerek sent a shot through a screen and past Selkirk netminder James Prigione.

The visitors pressed for an equalizer late in regulation, but Edwards salted away the win with an empty net marker that capped his hat trick with just 22 seconds remaining.

The final shots on goal were 33-15 in favour of the Saints.

Prigione picked up his third consecutive postseason win while Liem was unlucky in taking the loss despite a stellar performance.

Selkirk failed to take advantage of numerous power-play opportunities (0-for-6) but managed to stay out of the penalty box themselves, as they went shorthanded on just two occasions.

Edwards and linemates Logan Proulx and Darnell Dyck combined for five points in the win, continuing a streak of strong play that has seen the trio net 11 points in three playoff contests.

The Saints will now have two opportunities to capture their third consecutive BCIHL championship. The first comes on Saturday at 7:00 PM, while a Game 3 is set for 3:45 PM on Sunday if necessary.