The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins have been knocked out of the SJHL playoffs, but their season isn't over.
The Nipawin Hawks defeated the Bruins 2-1 on Sunday night at Affinity Place to win the best-of-seven quarter-final series in six games. Five of the six games were decided by one goal; the exception was Game 3, which the Bruins won 3-1.
After a scoreless first period in Game 6, Hawks' captain Blake Fournier opened the scoring 12 minutes into the second period.
The Bruins had numerous chances to score throughout the night, but Hawks' goaltender Kristian Stead was terrific. The Hawks clung to their one-goal lead until Eric Bolden scored a power play goal into an empty net with 52 seconds to play in the third period.
Braden Oleksyn scored for the Bruins 26 seconds later to give the Black and Gold some late hope, but it was the only goal the Bruins would muster.
Stead stopped 33 shots to get the victory. Daniel Wapple made 20 saves for the Bruins.
The Bruins will now have more than a month off, as they are the host team for the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup. Their first game of the tournament will be on April 30, when they host the champions from the British Columbia Hockey League.
