The Mainstream Biological Consulting peewee B Tyees were rewarded for a long road trip to Port Alice last Sunday.
In a closely-fought match, the Tyees eliminated the Tri-Port Eagles from the playoffs, edging their hosts 4-3.
The peewees are hosting this year’s provincial championships and have an automatic berth, but there’s no complacency in this squad which wants to earn its way to the B.C.’s.
Facing Tri-Port for the fourth time this season, the Tyees started strong but couldn’t get a break as they fell behind 3-0 after two periods. But for the second time in three games the Tyees stormed back.
They gave themselves a chance with solid defensive work led by Doug Campbell Jr. and the inspired goaltending of Dominik Bellefleur and Jaydlin Spooner.
The offence finally got on track in the final period as captain Todd Campbell scored from Nathan Downey and Justin Kennelly to narrow the game.
Just 34 seconds later, Ben Skinner scored to tie the game, with the assist going to Campbell.
Then Campbell, on a masterful solo-effort, tied the score when he deked past two defenders, fought off a stick-check from behind and buried the puck five-hole.
The typing marker seemed to deflate Tri-Port. With less than six minutes remaining, Hay rushed the puck deep into the Eagles’ end and fired a shot on goal.
Lukas Lund picked up the rebound off to the side, circled the net, and played it out front to Hunter Korol. The puck got caught up in skates, but Korol was able to finish, and the Tyees celebrated a 4-3 victory. Play-offs continue for the Tyees this Saturday at home against Kerry Park.