The Spiritwood Timberwolves were in a do-or-die situation Tuesday and came through winning 5-4 over the Battleford Beaver Blues to extend the championship series.
Ryan Turgeon, Raymond Witchekan, Tim Amendt and Devin Beebe all scored for the Timberwolves and Jeff Caffet scored a third period power play goal, which stood as the game-winning goal.
Daxin Collins, Martin Smith, Roddy Hoffman and Scott Maunula scored in game three for the Beaver Blues.
In game two Saturday in Battleford, it was a matter of power plays that provided the game's offence. Spiritwood were 3/3 on their first three man advantages nearly 10 minutes into the game. Battleford goalie Mitch Hawtin was replaced by Tyler Cockburn after the third goal for two minutes and then he went back between the pipes. The Beaver Blues responded with two power play goals of their own and eventually tied the game before the first period ended.
The teams continued to trade goals all game, as Battleford earned the 7-5 win. Travis Keller had a goal and three assists for the Beaver Blues while Brent Salzl scored twice, as did Blaine Weber. Maunula, Jordan Keller and Collins also scored single markers for Battleford.
Marty Lehouillier made his first start of the series as well in this game for Spiritwood and did enough to earn the start in game three as well.
Game one of the series was played in Spiritwood Friday and it was the Beaver Blues winning 6-3. Spiritwood's Witchekan and Battleford forward Devin Esquirol both were given suspensions for separate actions after game one, as the teams tried to set the tone.
Collins scored twice for Battleford while Travis Keller scored a power play goal and Maunula also had a goal. Smith and Salzl both had a goal and two assists. The two of them connected for a shorthanded goal when Smith stripped the Spiritwood player of the puck and centred a pass for Salzl.
J.R. Bussiere allowed five goals in the game and the Beaver Blues added an empty net goal.
Beebe, Ryan Turgeon and Todd Turgeon scored for the Timberwolves.
Game four of the best-of-five series is set for Friday in Battleford. If Spiritwood can extend the series once more the fifth and final game will be Saturday in Spiritwood.
