The Prince Albert Mintos were down early, but didn’t let that stop them as they defeated the Swift Current Legionnaires in Game 1 of their first round playoff matchup on Saturday night in Swift Current.
A penalty shot would allow Swift Current to open the scoring near the halfway mark of the first period as Jace England would make no mistake for his first goal of the series.
Swift Current would take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission after a power play marker by Connor Rieger doubled the Legionnaire lead with 8:31 to go in the opening frame. Triston Michell-Mcelhone assisted on the play.
Prince Albert would find their footing in the second period as the Mintos would explode for three goals.
Carter Cole would strike at the 9:30 mark to cut the Swift Current lead in half. Taite Donkin and Konnor Watson assisted on the play.
Lethbridge Hurricanes prospect Owen Nelson would draw the Mintos even on the power play with 4:40 remaining in the middle frame. Kale Margolis and Van Taylor assisted on the play.
Nelson would strike for his second of the game, also on the power play with 1:28 to go in the second to give the Mintos their first lead of the night. Donkin and Owen Dyck provided the assists.
A power play goal from Kade Stringer would draw Swift Current even with 12:37 remaining in the third period. Jace Egland and Parker Rondeau assisted on the play.
The Minto lead would be restored just over four minutes later as Owen Nelson would finish the hat trick with assists coming from Donkin and William Chabot.
That would be all the support Brady Holtvogt would need as the Prince George Cougars prospect made 29 saves to earn the victory for Prince Albert. Berney Weston made 31 stops for Swift Current.
Game 2 of the series took place at the Art Hauser Centre on Monday night after being initially postponed on Sunday due to the weekend snowstorm. Results were not available as of press time.
The series shifts back to the InnovationPlex for Game 3 on Tuesday night. Puck drops at 7:45 p.m.
