The Estevan Bruins and Kindersley Klippers continued their habit of close, physical games on March 16 to open up the playoffs. The Bruins broke some new ground, however, by scoring three times in regulation and taking a 3-1 victory.

Kaelan Holt, Jayden Davis, and Zach Goberis all scored, and Bo Didur made 22 saves on 23 shots as Estevan took game one of their first-round series by a two-goal margin. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

After a scoreless first period that featured a combined 52 penalty minutes, the Bruins took control in the middle frame. Holt got the ball rolling, tapping in a rebound after a rush up the wall and a slick move to the inside by Hayden Guilderson to create the chance. The Klippers threw themselves in front of the puck, but couldn't keep Holt from converting. 

Jayden Davis celebrates a second period power play goal that turned out to be the game winner in the Bruins game one victory over Kindersley. (Photo by Durr Photography)

Davis's marker came on the power play after pinpoint passing by the Bruins. All five players touched the puck in succession as the puck worked from one side of the ice to the other, before Michael McChesney slipped it back to Davis in the slot for the redirection to the top corner. 

Goberis and McChesney made some magic shorthanded late in the second. They sprinted down the ice on a two-on-one, and McChesney laid a perfect backhand saucer pass right in Goberis's wheelhouse. The Bruins leading goal scorer from the regular season whipped a one-timer past Justen Close for all the scoring the Bruins would need.

Kindersley got one on the board on a power play in the third period, when big Nik Malenica tipped home a sneaky shot by Blake Kleiner to break Didur's shutout. That, however, was as close as Kindersley would come.

The Klippers pulled the goalie late, but got no shots with the net empty and had trouble exiting their zone. The Bruins had a few looks at the open cage,but were foiled by timely blocks and sticks by Klippers defenders. 

With game one in the books, the two teams will renew hostilities on Saturday, March 17 at 7:30. Rock 106 will have all the action, starting ten minutes prior to puck drop. 

GAME NOTES

Arthur Miller was ejected along with Devon Cyr early in the first period for unusual offsetting checking from behind minors. Miller hit a Klipper into the boards and took the initial minor, then after the whistle went Cyr came in and finished his check from behind hard on Miller. The official elected to eject both players.

Zach Goberis and Michael McChesney finished with two points each, the only Bruins players to do so. McChesney drew the primary assist on both Goberis and Davis's goals. 

Aigne McGeady-Bruce and Matthew Chekay both returned to the lineup after missing significant time with injuries. Chekay drew an assist on Kaelan Holt's goal in his first game in almost two full months.