The Preeceville Pats bantam hockey team ended its provincial run with a fierce battle against the Melfort Mustangs at home on February 5 in front of an enthusiastic home- town crowd.
The first game saw the Pats traveling to Melfort on January 26. The Pats took a 3 to 1 lead after the first period and maintained the lead for a 5 to 3 win.
The win gave Preeceville a leading edge going into the second game of the first-round provincial series against Melfort. The game played on February 5 was a fierce, hard- fought battle that saw Melfort win in a final score of 5 to 0, and a 1 to 1 tie in games.
The tie sent the teams into a mini game that was played immediately after game two which consisted of a 10-minute game that ended in a 1 to 1 tie, stated Jason Anaka, coach. Xage Miraflor scored for Preeceville and was assisted by Nathan Anaka.
The tie sent the teams into a 20-minute sudden death overtime where the first goal scored would determine the winner. At the 17:09 marker into the game Melfort scored which ended Preeceville's battle to continue its provincial run.
Preeceville players and coaches are now shifting their thoughts to league playoffs where in the regular season play they finished in fourth place.
The first round of playoffs was played against the Yorkton Bantam Traction Terriers in a home game on February 6. Preeceville regrouped and battled for the 2-1 win. The second game was held February 9 in Yorkton. Results from that game were not available at press time.
Logan and Porter Wolkowski scored for Preeceville. Assists were by Nathan Anaka, Zander Purdy and Archer Franklin.
