The Yorkton Terriers put together a determined effort in Game 4 but came up short in a 4–2 loss to the Melville Millionaires Friday night.
Yorkton carried the pace for long stretches, outshooting Melville 34–29 and generating consistent offensive pressure, but were unable to find the extra finish in a tightly contested playoff battle.
The Millionaires struck first with goals from Hudson Binder and Wesley Olson in the opening frame. The Terriers responded late in the period, as Brett Buckley jumped into the rush and buried his first of the postseason, finishing a setup from Cash Lanigan to cut the deficit to 2–1 heading into the break.
The second period turned into a physical, defensive battle with no scoring, as both teams traded chances and tightened things up. Yorkton continued to push the tempo, creating opportunities while staying within one.
In the third, Melville extended its lead with goals from Keil Schmalz on the power play and Jaden Kokosha at even strength. Despite the setback, the Terriers kept pressing and were rewarded late. Cash Lanigan capped off a strong night with a power-play goal, finishing a crisp passing play from Jye Zawatsky and Gabriel Courchesne to make it 4–2.
In goal, Callum Creig turned aside 25 shots, making several key saves to keep Yorkton within striking distance throughout the night.
Game 5 goes tomorrow night in Yorkton at 7:00 PM.
