ST. PAUL - It was a big overtime win for the St. Paul Canadiens on Friday night at the Clancy Richard Arena, as the team battled the North Eastern Alberta Jr. B Hockey League (NEAJBHL) defending champions, the Wainwright Bisons.
With the Canadiens up 3-2 in the third period, the Bisons managed to tie the game up near the end of the period, forcing the game to overtime.
It was a battle back and forth on the ice, but the Canadiens pulled out the win, adding two points to their season record and holding on to the top spot in the league with 40 points.
The Bisons are now sitting in third place as of Friday's game, but just three points behind the Canadiens. Holding on to the top spot of the league has been a battle for the Canadiens, with the Vermilion Tigers sitting in second place with 38 points, and the Killam Wheat Kings in fourth place with 36 points, according to the NEAJBHL league standings.
Kurtis Labant would be credited with the overtime goal for Friday's win, assisted by Kelton McAuley and Noah Balmer.
With the Bisons scoring first in the first period, the Canadiens would come back in the second period, with a goal from Kolby Miller. The Bisons would take the lead back, but the Canadiens would tie it up before the end of the second, with a goal from William Chemago.
Heading into the third period, the Bisons would get a chance to take the lead back again with a penalty shot, but it would be unsuccessful.
The Canadiens then took the lead with a goal from Jarett Boulianne. The Bisons would rally and tie the game with less than five minutes left in the period, forcing overtime.
After about four minutes of play, the Canadiens would score.
Goalie Ethin Campbell would get the win for the Canadiens, stopping 37 of 40 shots taken over 64 minutes of play.
The Tigers have a chance to catch up to the Canadiens on Saturday night as they take on Onion Lake, while the Wheat Kings will take on the Cold Lake Ice in Cold Lake on Jan. 21. The Bisons will hit the ice again Sunday taking on the Vegreville Rangers.
The Canadiens will head to Lloydminster on Sunday evening and will not be back at the Clancy Richard Arena for a home game until Feb. 4.
