Satellites play Game 3 of BRHL semi-final at Tofield Arena Friday, leading series 2-0

Tofield Satellites took a two-game-to-nothing lead on the Provost Blades in their best-of-seven Battle River Hockey League (BRHL) semi-final series with two massive wins over the weekend.
The first game was on the road in Provost Friday evening, and it set the tone for the whole series from a Tofield perspective.

Things started out a little grim for Tofield, as Provost scored two quick goals early and then Satellites’ goalie Christopher Roy had to leave the game after a collision in the crease. But Jeremy Thom came in and had a strong game and Tofield’s Jake Quast scored with 2:40 remaining in the first period to get Tofield to within a goal. In the second period, Greg Holmberg connected on a powerplay goal at 7:59 to tie the score.
But less than three minutes later Provost recaptured the lead and took the 3-2 lead into the third period. The middle period was disappointing for Tofield also because they were outplaying and outchancing the home team but could not score.
Then less than a couple of minutes into the third, Blades added what should have been a deflater on the powerplay to double the visitors 4-2.
Satellites, however, did not wilt. Instead they began a comeback that not only gave them the win but changed the course of the weekend series. Jesse Van Dalfsen got Tofield to within a goal at 5:08 of the third, and Jake Quast tied the game with another Tofield powerplay goal with just 4:14 remaining.
With the game tied but the momentum definitely now flowing in the Satellites’ direction, Van Dalfsen got his second goal of the third period to give Tofield the lead and ultimately the win.
Satellites outshot the home team 40-30 in the game, carried play and made a chasing Provost team pay for penalties they took. Tofield was 2/6 on the powerplay, while Provost was 1/2.
Getting on the scoresheet for the Satellites were: Kevin Reinholt, an assist; Nick Scott, an assist; Jesse Van Dalfsen, two goals; Tyler Hennessey, an assist; Jeff Bienvenue, an assist; Jake Quast, two goals; Brett Holmberg, two assists; Ryan Olson, three assists; and Greg Holmberg, a goal and an assist. Jeremy Thom stopped 24 of 26 SOG.
Game one ended on a rough note for Satellites’ defenceman Nick Scott, who got caught with a stick just under his eye near the end of the game and had to go for stitches. It was a fast skating first game, and rougher than the series against Sedgewick though Scott’s injury was not intentional but just on a followthrough.
With the Satellites’ confidence on a high after the comeback win on the road, Saturday’s home game began much where the first game left off… with Tofield scoring at a furious pace.
Tofield enforcer Dan Chambers drew an early penalty and with his team on the powerplay, Chad Urshel scored to give the home-team an early lead. Brett Holmberg and Ryan Olson added goals of their own and within 12 minutes of the game it was 3-0 for Tofield. It was another dominant period for Tofield, and besides outscoring Provost they also outshot them 23-12.
But Provost didn’t finish in second place for nothing. The proud team from the east fought back in the middle frame completely reversing fortunes. They got two quick goals to put a scare into the home team and carried play for most of the period.
Tofield though, regained its big lead after Jake Quast and Brett Holmberg both guided pucks behind Blades’ goalie Graeme Harrington to take a 5-2 lead into the third period.
Quast, whom has been on fire in the semi-final, scored on another powerplay 11:42 into the third to pretty much wrap things up for the home side. Provost did add a PP goal of its own with under five minutes remaining but the game ended 6-3.
Tofield goalie Jeremy Thom continued his stellar play in game two, saving a crazy 48 of 51 shots on goal for a .941 save percentage. Satellites managed 45 SOG.
The game was well played and well refereed. The teams were only given three powerplay opportunities apiece. Blades were 1/3, while Tofield was a deadly 2/3. In the series, Satellites’ PP is operating at a .444 success rate.
Satellites’ Brett Holmberg is leading the BRHL in playoff scoring with 13 points in six games. Ryan Olson is tied for second with 12.
Game three of the series is scheduled for Friday evening at Tofield Arena, 8:30 p.m. Game four will be in Provost on Sunday at 4:30 pm. In the other series, Daysland North Stars lead its series with Hardisty Stampeders 2-0.
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