Nathan Zurak scored on the power play late in the third period to help the Williams Lake Stampeders edge the Lac La Hache Tomahawks 5-4 in game one of a first-round, best-of-three playoff series.
The road victory will bring the Stampeders back to the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex this weekend Saturday and Sunday for game two and, if necessary, game three of the Central Interior Hockey League series.
Saturday against the Tomahawks Matt Lees put Williams Lake on the board, scoring early in the first period.
The Tomahawks quickly answered back, however, as Anthony Sellars tallied on Williams Lake netminder Justin Foote, before Mike Young gave Williams Lake a 2-1 edge after beating Tomahawks’ goaltender Willie Sellars late in the frame.
Both teams traded goals in the second as Tyrel Lucas and Robin Gilbert scored for the Stampeders and the Tomahawks, respectively.
In the third it was Walter Schmidt opening the scoring for Lac La Hache, before Lees buried his second of the night.
Drew Rose tied the contest at 4-4 late in the third period, but Zurak would notch the game-winner shortly after to give the Stampeders the victory.
Puck drop this Saturday is 7:30 p.m. at the CMRC in Williams Lake. Game three, if required, begins at 1:30 p.m.
Around the CIHL the Houston Luckies upset the Quesnel Kangaroos 4-3 in their first-round series, while the Prince Rupert Rampage beat the Terrace River Kings, 3-2.
The other CIHL quarterfinal saw the Smithers Steelheads down the Kitimat Ice Demons, 6-4.