Millionaires Claim Selection Series; Wings likely to play Klippers!

The Melville Millionaires went into Kindersley tonight and came away with a huge 3-2 road victory over the host Klippers. The teams were scoreless after one, but Scott Hennings got things going for Melville just over a minute into period number two. Dion Campbell and Austin Krahenbil assisted on the goal. Kale Dolinski would put the Mils up by two just under four minutes later as he received a pass from Jordan Wilson. Matt Sawa would cut the lead in half before the period ended as he picked up the goal from Kirk Pearce and Casey Rempel. Matt Kinnunen would restore the two goal lead for the Millionaires just 2:08 into the third with an unassisted marker. The Klippers never gave up as Sawa would get his second of the game just over two minutes later from Ryan Sawka and Justin Perreaux. Both teams had some good chances down the stretch but could not beat the goaltenders. Joe Rodwell continued his hot play in the playoffs so far as he made 29 saves for the win. Matt Weninger took the loss despite making 32 saves for the Klippers. With the Millionaires win, they now have the right to choose their next opponent and all signs point to the winner of the Estevan/Yorkton series. It is quite likely that the fans in the Parkland will get another Terriers/Millionaires matchup this year which is always fun for the two cities separted by about a 25 minute drive. The Wings and Klippers, if that is the way the stars align would likely play Game 1 in Weyburn on Friday March 7, but we will let you know once we know.

Elsewhere tonight, the Yorkton Terriers have taken a stranglehold in the Sherwood conference elimination series as they snuck by the Estevan Bruins 2-1. Evan Neibrandt scored the winner on a breakaway with less than three minutes to play in the third period. Kyle Block assisted on the goal. Bryan Hull also scored for the Terriers. Chad Filteau had the lone Bruins goal with assists going to Brant Harris and Brennan Wrigley. Lynden Sammartino picked up the win as he made 21 saves. Karsten Felske got the start for the Bruins and stopped 29 of 31 shots he faced. The Terriers lead the series 3-1 with Game 5 going Saturday night in Estevan. Game six if necessary would go the following night in Yorkton.

The most exciting series is turning out to be the Itech conference elimination series as the Nipawin Hawks got back on even ground tonight with a 3-2 overtime win over the Ice Wolves. So far, the home team has won every game in this series. Torrie Dyck was the star of the night for the Hawks as he scored twice, including the overtime winner, and added an assist. Dean Prpick also scored for the Hawks. Taylor Thiessen, Brent Ottmann, Jordan Bourgonje and Blair Toms added assists. Everette Lerner continues his hot play for the Ice Wolves as he scored both of their goals tonight. Sterling Bear and Tyler Karst added assists. Derek Kleinsteuber got the win for the Hawks as he made 28 saves Jonathan Jobin was much busier stopping 51 of 54 shots he faced. The series is now tied at 2-2 with game five going Saturday night in La Ronge. Game six will be on Sunday night in Nipawin.

In the Itech conference selection series, the Flin Flon Bombers doubled up the Melfort Mustangs 4-2. With the Bombers win, the Humboldt Broncos will clinch the selection series with a win over Melfort on Saturday. Jordan Crone, Matt Dyck, Michael Young and Scott Day scored for the Bombers. Matt Restoule, Darcy Holfeld and Cole Wilson all added assists. Jordan Morgan and Harrison Tribble replied for the Mustangs with assists going to Tommy Brown and Matt Hill. Carsen Chubak got his first playoff start for the Bombers as he made 23 saves. Ilia Ejov stopped 27 shots in the Melfort goal. As mentioned earlier, the Mustangs host the Broncos on Saturday night. If necessary, Humboldt will travel to Flin Flon on Monday.

Tonight's Three Stars:

* Torrie Dyck - Nipawin Hawks (3 points, OT winner)
** Evan Neibrandt - Yorkton Terriers (huge goal to give Terriers the win over Bruins)
*** Jonathan Jobin - La Ronge Ice Wolves (51 saves in OT loss to Nipawin)

- Brad M.