The Preeceville Pats U18 team, bolstered by Canora-area players, had a great season that ended in third spot in the league. It ensured their playoff position which had the team facing off against the Moosomin Rangers who had finished the season in the top spot of the league with an undefeated record.
The first match-up of two games was held in Preeceville on March 24 and the game did not go well for Preeceville with numerous penalties given out on both sides. Preeceville’s only goal for the night was by Spencer Leech who was assisted by Hudsyn Nelson. The final score was 4 to 1 for Moosomin.
Preeceville players knew they had to play the best hockey of their lives if they were going to bring home the ‘A’ banner. The next and deciding game was held back in Moosomin on March 30. The rafters were packed with fans from both Preeceville and Moosomin. It was a very intense game that did not start out well for Preeceville, going into the second period with a two-goal deficit. “We regrouped back in the locker room and talked about not being defeated and they cane out back on the ice hungrier than ever, eagerly looking for redemption,” said Jesse Nelson, had coach.
Preeceville scored two quick goals in the second period to tie up the game. In the third period with only minutes left they put one more between the goal posts for the win.
Scoring for Preeceville were Porter Wolkowski of Canora with the hat trick, assisted by Tomas Hauber of Canora and Seth Hort. Justin Abrahamson scored the game winning goal, assisted by Seth Hort.
The win forced the teams to play a 10-minute game to break the tie as they had each recorded one win in the first two games. The 10-minute mini game was huge for Preeceville as with only one minute left on the score board, Kaiden Masley scored the winning goal assisted by Trever Geistlinger and Logan Wolkowski of Canora.
“The boys played a very disciplined game with few penalties handed out. Brett Smith had a tremendous night in net, one of the best he has ever had. It meant a lot to him as this was his last game since he is a graduating player. It was great to see all the graduating players playing their best and last game. Moosomin was the provincial champions and went undefeated all season, so the upset was huge for us,” concluded Nelson.
