The Swift Current Comp Colts and Ardens had very similar experiences at SHSAA 5A Regional Playoffs.
Both clubs qualified for provincials, but both also lost the regional final by one-goal against Yorkton Regional.
The Colts rallied from a slow start to top Moose Jaw Peacock 7-3 on Saturday to earn a spot in the regional final and book their ticket to provincials.
"I think we finally woke up and scored four quick goals to win," said Colts co-coach Chris Garner. "Qualified us for provincials. In the afternoon, we were playing a little bit shorthanded with some injuries to our starters, and that changed the dynamic of the game against Yorkton.
"We found ourselves in a 2-2 draw with them, right up until the very end when Yorkton was able to score. Overall, I think the boys played really well and there's certain circumstances that were beyond our control that day."
Griffin Striker scored three times for the Colts in their win over Peacock. Nathan Odiyo, Ethan Butterworth, Amanti Eticha and Rowan Reimer also scored for Swift Current.
Eticha and Shepherd Munzara scored in the loss to Yorkton.
Now the Colts turn their attention to provincials in Saskatoon where they are the rural #2 seed and will play Prince Albert St. Mary's on Friday.
"If anything (the loss to Yorkton) just motivates us more because we're now playing a higher seeded team in our first game," Garner said. "The boys are aware of that. We've played St. Mary's earlier in the year. I think we tied them 3-3, so they're pretty optimistic that we still have a good chance to move on to the second game."
He also noted they aren't at 100%, but they're confident their health as a group will be closer to what they need it to be by Friday.
Their focus at practice this week is accuracy.
"My emphasis this week is just shooting," Garner said. "You can't win a game if you can't hit a net. That was our struggle this weekend and most of the season."
The Colts will play St. Mary's at either 9am or 11am on Friday in Saskatoon.