Affinity Place resembled a playoff atmosphere Friday night as the Estevan Bruins beat the Flin Flon Bombers 3-2.
The two playoff-bound teams duked it out for three periods, with the Bruins getting a late shorthanded goal from Olivier Pouliot that turned out to be the game winner.
Flin Flon goaltender Cal Schell got caught out of his net and Pouliot was able to find a seam through two Bomber players and put the puck into the empty cage.
Pouliot scored twice in the game.
The Bruins had built a 2-0 lead early before Flin Flon rallied to tie the game in the third, setting up Pouliot’s heroics.
The game was filled with physicality that culminated in Bruins captain Eric Houk and Bombers captain Zak Smith dropping the gloves in the third period.
Both teams went 0 for 7 on the power play.
The Bruins move into sole possession of first place in the SJHL with the win.
They’ll hit the road for a game Saturday night in Yorkton and Sunday afternoon in Wilcox against the Notre Dame Hounds.
Written by Nolan Kowel.