The Border Bruins took the opening game in the battle of the bears, as the Grand Forks broadcast crew has dubbed the Teck Cup championship with Revelstoke.
Theo Naidu scored the eventual winner on a slick backhand tally as he went to the net, assisted by Ben Edwards. His goal gave the Border Bruins a 4-0 lead 1:43 into the second period.
Goalie Eric Kahl saved 21 of 24 shots for the win, while the Border Bruins received two-goal performances by Jace Kool and Tyler Burke, who also had an assist.
Leading 4-0, the Grizzlies cut into it with three straight goals by Daniel Wittenberg on the power-play, Mark LaFleur and Keiran Keilly.
Grizzlies starter Devin Degenstein was pulled after allowing three goals on 12 shots in 20:19 of action. Ryder Ponto allowed four goals on 19 shots in 39:44 of playing time and was handed the loss.
The Border Bruins power-play went 4-for-7, as their final three goals came on the man-advantage, while their penalty-kill was strong, going 6-for-7.
The teams will be back on the ice tonight at the Jack Goddard Arena from 7pm for Game 2.
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