With 1,744 fans in Affinity Place, the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins took a huge step towards making the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League final with a 5-2 win over the visiting Battlefords North Stars.
The win gives the Bruins a 3-0 lead in their Canalta Cup semifinal series with the North Stars, who eliminated the Bruins last year in a four game sweep.
Zach Goberis scored a hat trick in the game and nearly had a fourth when his attempt at an empty net late in the third period hit the post.
Michael McChesney, who hit the empty net moments later, and Jake Fletcher scored the other goals for the Bruins. Bo Didur made 36 saves in the Bruins net in the victory.
The teams meet again Tuesday night at Affinity Place at 7:30 p.m. in a game that if the Bruins win, could see them off to their first SJHL final since the Anavet Cup-winning team of 1999.
