The fourth time is apparently the charm for the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins.
In three of the last four years, the Bruins have had their season ended at the hands of the Battlefords North Stars but it was the Bruins definitive 6-2 win Thursday night that ended the North Stars season. With the win, the Bruins clinched the Canalta Cup semifinal four games to one.
The Bruins have made their first SJHL final since 1999 and will await the winner of the other semifinal between the Nipawin Hawks and the Humboldt Broncos, with the Hawks up 3-1 in the series.
With the score tied 2-2 going into the third, Bruins’ captain Jake Fletcher scored at 11:11 and Kaelan Holt was credited with a pair, including the empty net goal with 2:08 left on the clock, to clinch the win for Estevan. Zach Goberis scored a late goal for the Bruins.
The Battlefords tooko a 2-0 lead in the first period Thursday but the Bruins came back with the next six goals unanswered.
Hayden Guilderson and Tanner Manz scored the other goals for the Bruins. Matt Lukacs, making his first start of the playoffs, earned the win in net as regular starter Bo Didur was a gametime decision after getting hurt Tuesday in Game 4 at Affinity Place.
