Brody Tatchell had a goal and four assists to lead the Meota Combines to a 6-5 win in game one of their best of five series with the Shellbrook Silvertips.
Tatchell assisted on Meota's final four goals for the win in Shellbrook.
The Silvertips got on the board first using the power play. Brett Mason found the back of the net for Shellbrook 6:16 into the period. Mason added his second goal of the game about 30 seconds later, giving the Silvertips an early 2-0 lead.
Tatchell cut the Silvertips' lead in half with a goal before the end of the first period. He scored with 5:15 remaining to make it a 2-1 game heading into the intermission.
The Combines scored four straight goals in the second period. Brad Eischen struck first 4:47 into the second. Bo Gervais tallied his first of the game two minutes later. He added his second goal of the game with 7:31 to play in the period. Eischen added his second of the period with 4:15 to go. The four-goal outburst gave the Combines a 5-2 lead.
Nathaniel Martin closed the gap late in the second period. His goal with 3:48 left sent the game to the third with a 5-3 score.
Brett Miller restored the Combines' three-goal lead early in the third. He found the back of the net 4:03 into the frame.
The Silvertips made it a game late in the period. Matt Mortensen scored with 3:32 left to play, followed by Josh Elliot's goal with 2:14 remaining. Shellbrook were unable to find the equalizer before time expired.
Game two of the series is Sunday night at the North Battleford Civic Centre. Puck drop is 8 p.m. The series returns to Shellbrook for game three Tuesday night.
