The Estevan Power Dodge peewee A Vipers went 1-1 in the first weekend of league playoff in Regina as they still have a chance at the championship.
Estevan defeated the Regina Rampage 4-1 on Mar. 7 and lost 6-5 to Moose Jaw the following day.
In the victory against the Rampage, Estevan opened the scoring in the first period as Kenzie Balon netted one and Irelend Biette had the assist.
Regina tied the game late in the period, with the scored tied 1-1 after 20 minutes.
Marcie LeBlanc scored the lone goal in the second and put the Vipers up 1-0. Estevan scored two straight in the third to go on to win the game.
Balon had her second of the game and also had an assist on the final goal scored by Biette.
Coach Chad Farr said his team played sluggish to start and were not at their best, but they did enough to win.
He also acknowledged the defensive play of his team.
“Our defence stood out, if our forwards aren’t going our defence steps up and holds the fort down,” he said.
During the loss to Moose Jaw, the Vipers were trailing 4-1 after the first period.
Throughout the period Farr said that Moose Jaw took it to them and the Vipers were feeling the pressure a bit.
Before the second period began, Farr reminded his team that they’re in the playoffs and they have to compete and learn how to win.
They came out strong and outscored Moose Jaw and only trailed 5-3 going into the third period.
Estevan continued their momentum from the second. Farr said the team continued to battle and compete, scoring another two goals to force overtime.
In the extra period, Moose Jaw scored seven minutes to advance to the final.
After the loss, Farr said that it was a heartbreak to his team, but added that they will use that outcome as motivation to try and win the tournament.
With that loss, Estevan plays the Rampage on Mar.14, and if they are successful they play Moose Jaw later that night. If they defeat them, they play again the following day in a winner takes all match.
In order for the Vipers to be successful, Far said that next weekend they have to bring energy to the rink and remain focused.
