ST. PAUL - It was a battle to the bitter end on Friday night at the Clancy Richard Arena. Down by three games in the best-of-seven series, it was a must-win situation for the St. Paul Canadiens.
After taking Game 4 into overtime against the Wainright Bisons, the match would end in heartbreak for the home team.
Getting through the Killam Wheat Kings in the previous playoff round, the match-up between the Bisons and Canadiens was the final round of the NEAJBHL playoffs.
The series started in Wainwright, where the Bisons pulled out two big wins, winning 5-2 on March 11 and 7-2 on March 13. The series then came to St. Paul where the Bisons again won on March 15, 5-1.
Friday night's game provided a closer battle on the scoreboard. The Bisons would open up scoring in the first period, and the Canadiens would fight back with two quick goals early in the second period. A goal from the Bisons would tie up the game heading into the third period.
St. Paul's Nicolas Beaudoin would help his team regain the lead in the third, but the Bisons would manage to tie the game up once more, pushing the game into overtime.
Then, just over three minutes in, the Bisons' Drake Rennie would score, assisted by Joshua Paulgaard, giving Wainwright the 4-3 win - along with the NEAJBHL league championship.
Off to provincials
But, the season isn't over for the St. Paul Canadiens.
Since the Wainwright Bisons are hosting this year's Jr. B hockey provincials, March 31 to April 3, the Canadiens will get a chance at redemption.
Leading up to the provincial tournament, the Canadiens are busy fundraising, hosting a 50/50 draw online, and other initiatives in preparation for the weekend tournament.
