Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Bruins Draw First Blood

The Estevan Bruins have the early edge in the SJHL Championship series after doubling up the visiting Flin Flon Bombers 4-2 in Friday’s series opener.  The Bruins had been off for 15 days while the Bombers were away from action for 10.

Estevan captain Eric Houk opened the scoring with the only goal of the first period, but his counterpart, Flin Flon captain Zak Smith tied it up with his first of two on the night.  Bruin defenseman Dayton Deics scored on a nice end to end rush to give the Bruins the lead back late in the second period, and they wouldn’t relinquish it again.  Caelan Fitzpatrick scored a powerplay goal to give the Bruins some breathing room in the third period, and they needed the cushion as Smith’s second of the night came with less than two minutes remaining.  Estevan’s Cody Davis added an empty netter about a minute later.

Boston Bilous made 25/27 saves for his ninth straight win of the playoffs.  Cal Schell turned away 27/30 at the other end.

Game 2 goes Saturday in Estevan.