The Bienfait Coalers needed overtime to get the job done in the first game of their semifinal series against the Redvers Rockets.
The first-place Coalers edged sixth-place Redvers 4-3 in extra time on Friday in Bienfait to take a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2 is Thursday in Redvers, followed by Game 3 on Friday in Bienfait and, if necessary, Game 4 on Sunday in Redvers. A date for Game 5 has not been determined.
In the other Big Six semifinal, the second-place Midale Mustangs are taking on the fifth-place Arcola-Kisbey Combines.
Midale finished off the Oxbow Huskies in their first-round series with a 5-1 win in Game 4 on Feb. 27.
The Midale-Arcola series was set to begin last night in Midale.
Game 2 is Friday in Arcola, and Game 3 is Saturday in Midale.
Games 4 and 5, if necessary, have not yet been scheduled.
In provincial action, the Carnduff Red Devils are the only Big Six team still alive.
The Red Devils are down 1-0 in their best-of-three B south final against Esterhazy.
Esterhazy won the opener 7-1 on home ice on Saturday.
Game 2 is this Saturday in Carnduff, and Game 3, if necessary, is back in Esterhazy on Sunday.
Carnduff knocked off Rocanville in a two-game, total-goal series in the south semis. After a 5-4 loss in Game 1, they rebounded with a 6-2 victory in the second game, for a 10-7 combined score.
Midale saw their run come to and end with a loss to Lumsden in their three-game A south semi.
Lumsden won the third and deciding game 6-3 on Feb. 24.
