MELVILLE, SK – Thomas Ries’ third-period power-play marker stood as the game-winner as the Terriers scored four unanswered goals to defeat the Melville Millionaires 6-3, clinching home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The visitors struck first in the opening period on the power play, with David Coyle netting his 31st goal of the season, assisted by Bryce Dahl and Tate Schofer.
Melville responded off the rush when Simon Parini set up Jadon Iyogun, who beat Callum Creig to tie the game. The Millionaires took the lead in the final minute of the frame as Jackson Lee found space in front and roofed a shot under the bar for a 2-1 advantage.
The Terriers were outshot 11-10 in the first period.
In the second, the Terriers pulled even. Just after serving a penalty, Ries picked up the puck, split the defense, and roofed his 10th of the season. Harrison Aldridge collected the lone assist. Yorkton outshot Melville 15-8 in the frame.
The Millionaires reclaimed the lead early in the third when Edward Knittig ripped home his eighth of the year, making it 3-2.
Midway through the period, Melville ran into penalty trouble. With Raine Hodge already in the box for goaltender interference, Noah Belles-Isles was called for delay of game after a referee huddle. Head coach Doug Johnson voiced his displeasure and was handed a bench minor, giving the Terriers an extended 5-on-3 advantage.
Yorkton made them pay. Coyle collected the puck behind the net and pulled off “The Michigan” for the second time this season. His 32nd goal of the year tied the game at 3-3, though he was handed a 10-minute misconduct during his celebration.
Still on the power play, the Terriers took their second lead of the night when Ries jammed home a loose puck in front to make it 4-3.
Vinay Junek added insurance with his 14th of the season, and Jaron Desnoyers sealed the victory with his 30th into an empty net.
Creig stood tall in goal, making 33 saves for his 17th win of the season.
These two teams will meet again tomorrow night to close out the regular season before squaring off in the first round of the SJHL playoffs.
