The Elks were first on the scoreboard, Scott Ward scoring off assists by Myles Whitford and Morgan Greve just over seven minutes into the game, but the Rustlers would catch up a minute and a half later, adding two more in the second to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
The final period, however was all Elks, all the way, Jason Kalyynchuk, assisted by Arron Gagne and Ward, and Devin Moneta scoring unassisted within the first four minutes and 12 seconds to tie the game, and Curtis Witney scoring the game winner off a shot from Dillon Kalinski with just under seven minutes left on the clock.
The Elks finished the season in a three-way tie with Lashburn Flyers and Two Hills Longhorns for sixth place in the 12-team league, all with 18 points, Dewberry Mustangs’ Saturday night win over Paradise Valley Jets edging them ahead of the trio for fifth spot with 19 points.
Hillmond Hitmen, who won their final game of the regular season over Meadow Lake Broncos, leads the pack with 28 points, St. Walburg Eagles final loss to the third place Wainwright Broncos not moving them out of second spot with 27 points, one ahead of Wainwright’s 26, while Meadow Lake wrapped up the season with 24.
Playoff time
The Elks will kick off Round 1 of their Best of 5 Playoff schedule on Friday Jan 31 at 8:00 p.m. in St. Walburg, with the second game Saturday, Feb 1 at 8:00 p.m. in Elk Point. The third game is scheduled for Friday, Feb 7 at 8:00 p.m. in St. Walburg, with further games if required on Saturday, Feb 8, at 8:00 p.m. in Elk Point and Sunday Feb 9, in St. Walburg with the time to be determined..
Because St. Walburg finished second in the league, the Elks feel this will be a tough series, and say, “We will need all our fans to get behind our boys and cheer them on! It won't be easy, but can be done. GO ELKS GO!”
