The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins have advanced to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's semifinal round for the first time since 2005.
The Bruins had goals from five different players, and Nathan Alalouf made 35 saves for the shutout, as the Bruins defeated the Yorkton Terriers 5-0 at Affinity Place on Friday night, and wrapped up the best-of-seven quarter-final series in five games.
After a tentative start to the game, Matt McNeil and Josh Rieger scored 85 seconds apart late in the first period to give the Black and Gold a 2-0 advantage through 20 minutes.
The second period was scoreless, thanks in large part to Alalouf, who stopped 16 Yorkton shots in the middle frame. Many of them came during a flurry midway through the second period when Yorkton controlled much of the play.
The game remained close until midway through the third, when Michael McChesney, Kaelan Holt and Zach Goberis scored 5:08 apart to help the Bruins pull away.
Head coach/general manager Chris Lewgood said that he believes his team's depth was the difference. He also praised Alalouf, saying the veteran netminder was the Bruins' best player in the series.
The Bruins will face the Battlefords North Stars in a best-of-seven semifinal series.
Next week's edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
