A dramatic night in the SJHL playoffs saw Flin Flon advance, Nipawin even its series in overtime, and Melfort explode offensively to stay alive.
Bombers Blank Bruins to Advance
The Flin Flon Bombers became the first team to advance to round two of the SJHL’s Canterra Seeds Cup Playoffs.
Finn Werner stopped all 26 shots he faced in his first career SJHL playoff start, leading the Bombers to a 2-0 victory over the Estevan Bruins in Game 4.
Jared Miskiw opened the scoring with the game-winner at 14:10 of the second period, and Connor Miller added insurance just over four minutes later.
Bruins netminder Dylan Adams turned aside 31 of 33 shots in the loss, as Estevan’s season came to an end.
Hawks Even Series in Overtime
Konnor Watson tapped home a back-door goal 5:55 into the first overtime to help the Nipawin Hawks even their first-round series at two games apiece with a 3-2 win over the Weyburn Red Wings in Game 4.
Josh Sale and Drew Molde gave Weyburn a two-goal lead, but Noah Heinrich and Brendan Olson replied for the Hawks to tie the game before the end of the second period.
Both goaltenders were strong, with SJHL Goalie of the Year finalist Gage Roberts making 31 saves on 33 shots, while Joey Rocha allowed three goals on 41 shots in the loss.
Game 5 is set for Saturday night in Nipawin, with Game 6 returning to Weyburn on Monday.
Mustangs Stay Alive with Offensive Outburst
The two-time defending champion Melfort Mustangs staved off elimination in a big way, hammering the Battlefords North Stars 9-4 at the Northern Lights Palace.
Kaleb Binner and Bo Eisner led the way with two goals each, while Nolan Patterson and Noel Englot each recorded a goal and two assists.
Connor Ewasuk, Luke MacKenzie, and Tristin Ziola also scored for the Mustangs, who forced Game 5 back in North Battleford on Saturday night.
Alessio Nardelli scored twice for the North Stars, while Owen Nelson and Kaleb Dewar added singles.
