ESTEVAN - The Estevan Bruins' final home game of the regular season turned into a rout.
The Bruins exploded for three goals in a 53-second span of the third period in a 7-0 victory over the Notre Dame Hounds Wednesday night at Affinity Place, in front of an announced crowd of 1,510 spectators.
Cam Hrdlicka made 32 saves to get the shutout for Estevan.
The Bruins started the scoring early as Kade Runke scored 41 seconds into the first period. Caelan Fitzpatrick added to the lead with a marker with about 5 1/2 minutes left in the frame.
Fitzpatrick had the only goal of the second period, on a spectacular rush that saw him deke out Notre Dame goalie Ryley Osland.
Pearce ignited the offensive barrage 3:07 into the third period, and added his second of the game 37 seconds later. Zachery Burns scored 16 seconds after Pearce's second.
Pearce would get one more with 12:13 to play in the third period.
Osland allowed six goals on 27 shots. Austin Elliott came in after Burns' goal, and gave up one goal on 10 shots.
The Bruins (42-10-1-3, 88 points) sit first in the overall standings, two points ahead of the Humboldt Broncos (43-13, 86 points). Both teams have two games remaining.
Estevan will close out the regular season by visiting the Melville Millionaires on Friday night and the Weyburn Red Wings on Saturday.