FLIN FLON, MB – Behind a spectacular 35-save performance from Callum Creig and a third-period winner from DJ Brass, the Yorkton Terriers battled back to earn a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Flin Flon Bombers on Tuesday night at the Whitney Forum.
In the lone game on the SJHL schedule, the two rivals renewed acquaintances for the third time this season, with the Terriers looking to kick off a gruelling four-game, five-night northern road swing on a winning note.
The home side struck first in the opening period as Nathan Lalumiere snapped a shot blocker side past Creig to give the Bombers an early 1-0 advantage.
Despite surrendering the opening goal, Creig was spectacular between the pipes, coming up with several key saves to keep the Terriers within striking distance.
Both teams had an opportunity on the power play but were unable to capitalize with the man advantage.
Yorkton held a slim 12-11 edge in shots on goal, but it was the Bombers who carried a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
The Terriers turned in one of their strongest periods of the season in the middle frame and were rewarded for their efforts, pulling even with the Bombers.
Mathys Morrissette provided the equalizer, burying his ninth goal of the season to knot things up at 1-1. Tyson Medernach and Drew Heil picked up the assists on the play.
Special teams played a significant role in the middle frame, with both clubs receiving three opportunities on the power play, but neither side could capitalize with the man advantage.
At the other end, Creig continued his outstanding performance between the pipes, turning aside all 12 shots he faced in the second period.
Shots were even at 12 apiece in the middle frame, sending the two teams into the second intermission deadlocked at 1-1.
The Terriers wasted little time grabbing their first lead of the hockey game early in the third period.
Aidan Vallance broke in all alone but was denied by Bombers netminder Finn Werner. However, the rebound sat loose in the crease, and DJ Brass was right on the doorstep to jam home his fourth goal of the season, giving Yorkton a 2-1 advantage.
From there, the Bombers pushed hard for the equalizer, but Creig continued to steal the show.
The Terriers netminder was sensational down the stretch, turning aside all 13 shots he faced in the final frame to preserve the one-goal lead and finish the night with 35 saves.
Yorkton’s penalty kill also came up clutch, shutting down all six Flin Flon power-play opportunities, including a lengthy five-on-three advantage midway through the third period.
The Terriers held firm in the closing minutes to secure a gutsy 2-1 road victory and improve to 8-6-2 on the season.
Yorkton will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday night as the Dogs continue their four-game, five-night northern road swing with a stop in La Ronge to battle the Ice Wolves.
Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM.
