Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

OVERTIME THRILLER PUTS STARS ONE WIN AWAY

By Craig Stein

CONNOR LOGAN PLAYS GAME 3 HERO

This was their closest challenge so far, but the Battlefords North Stars won their 11th consecutive playoff game on Tuesday night, edging the Flin Flon Bombers 2-1 in overtime, to grab a commanding 3-0 series lead in the SJHL Canalta Cup Final.

After a scoreless first period, Keaton Holinaty opened the scoring for the North Stars with his league-leading 10th goal of the post-season early in the second frame.  Jordan McCausland tied things up for the Bombers with a powerplay goal midway through the third, setting the stage for extra time.

At 10:41 of overtime, Connor Logan notched his 7th of the playoffs, giving the Stars the 2-1 (OT) decision and the 3-0 series edge.

The Bombers out-shot the North Stars 43-36, with Taryn Kotchorek being by far the busiest he’s been in these playoffs, making 42/43 saves.  Personally, Kotchorek is now 8-0, 1.83 GAA, .931%, 1 SO in the playoffs, and he’d only seen 30 or more shots once in his previous seven starts, usually averaging in the low-mid twenties.

Zac Robidoux made 34/36 saves in goal for the Bombers in his first action since Game 4 of the Nipawin series on April 5th.

The North Stars can close it out with a Game 4 win Wednesday in Flin Flon, as they look for their first SJHL Canalta Cup since 1999-2000.

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