The U18 AAA Estevan Bears faced off in a two-part series against the Swift Current Legionnaires on the weekend, securing their playoff spot for the first time in franchise history.  

The first game was a close call, but ultimately the Bears lost 4-1.  

The team headed back out on the ice on Sunday to once again face the Legionnaires.  

“We knew going into game 44 it was win or go home for us," said Ryan Pilon, the Bears head coach. “In this situation, we needed two points to get into playoffs.” 

Ultimately the Bears were successful in winning the game 7-1.  

“Everything that they had gone through the past couple of weeks and the pressure of playoff hockey for us, as they came in, they played their hearts out and kind of took over the game in the third period and got the win,” said Pilon.  

Pilon said he is proud of his team and all the work they have put in throughout the season.  

“Obviously, it took us right to Game 44, but yeah, it's huge for the program. It's big for the city of Estevan with this program being so new," 

The team isn't finished playing as they refocus on their upcoming task of taking on the Saskatoon Blazers in playoffs. 

“We played them really well this year," said Pilon, "We took one game and then had a one-goal game the other game. So we’re excited about it.”  

Pilon said the team is focused on resting before they get back on the ice.  

“Make sure the guys are getting healthy, and looking after their bodies this week, and we’ll go over the videos,” said Pilon. “We’ll be well prepared to go against the Blazers.”  

He said he hopes that all the learning experiences over the last month will carry over into the playoff games.  

“They are excited, they’re relieved,” said Pilon. “But it’s exciting times around for the Bears for sure.”  

The playoff schedule is in the works with preliminary dates set for the Bears to head to Saskatoon on March 2 & 3. Games three and four will take place in Estevan, but no dates have been set so far.