Dave Leaderhouse
Special to the Herald
The Prince Albert Timberjaks knew what they had to do, but they didn’t make it easy on themselves.
Needing a win to break a deadlock with the Carrot River Outback Thunder for the final Prairie Junior Hockey League playoff spot the Timberjaks jumped into a 5-0 lead with seven minutes left to play in the second period of Friday’s game in Carrot River before the Thunder stormed back with four unanswered goals setting the stage for some game-ending fireworks.
Having pulled to within one with over 10 minutes to play, the Thunder tried their best to get the equalizer, but were unable to get another past Prince Albert netminder Brayden Lyons. But, the game didn’t end when the final buzzer sounded as a melee that resulted in more than 160 minutes in penalties ensued and will likely be reviewed by the league for further discipline.
Keethan Isbister led the way for the Timberjaks scoring twice and setting up another while single markers were added by Taelan Casavant, Trey Mudry and Ryan Podborochynski. Lukas Tuplin, Chase Sylvestre, Chase Taylor and James Klemetski responded for the Thunder.
The win gives the Timberjaks two more points than the Thunder, but the playoffs are still not officially in their future. Carrot River must win their final game on Saturday against the Saskatoon Quakers to stay alive and if they don’t then Prince Albert will secure the No. 5 seed despite what happens in their final two games. A Thunder win on Saturday would mean Prince Albert would need just a single point against either the Saskatoon Westleys at home on Sunday or in Martensville on Tuesday against the Chiefs. Sunday’s game is set for a 3 p.m. start at the Northern Regional Rec Centre.
