The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings had a chance to clinch their best-of-seven quarterfinal series against the Battlefords North Stars in five games Saturday night. Game 5 would go to overtime at Crescent Point Place, but it would be the North Stars coming out on top, winning 4-3.
The Red Wings were first on the board when Braigh LeGrandeur scored his first of the post-season with 4:46 left to go in the first period. The goal was assisted by Ryder Rommelaere and Drew Molde.
Battlefords replied just under four minutes into the second when Nikita Ivashchenko scored on the power play, but Weyburn was quick to regain the lead.
Chad Lebeau notched his first goal of the playoffs 6:40 into the second, assisted by Lucas Schmid, to make it 2-1.
Just over two minutes later, the North Stars responded. Josh Knittig beat Angelo Zol to make it 2-2. The even score wouldn't last too long, however. Josh Sale scored his second of the playoffs with 7:33 to go in the middle frame, assisted by Luke and Ethan Dekay.
The North Stars would push hard in the third period, trying to tie the game up. Their efforts paid off when Ivashchenko scored with 5:06 left on the clock in regulation to tie the game 3-3.
This would force overtime, where Jace Rask would score, unassisted, just 3:27 into the overtime period, making it a 4-3 win for the North Stars.
Game 6 of the best-of-seven series will be played Monday night in North Battleford. Catch all the action on Great Plains Ford Red Wing Radio, Country 106.7. Dylan Fiessel will have the call, starting with the pregame show, at 7:15 p.m. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.