The Virden Oil Capitals punched their ticket to the league semi final with a 3-2 win on home ice to take the series in 6 games (4-2). The Oil Caps were able to build off the momentum created by their 3-1 victory in game 5 the previous evening out shooting the Steelers 18-4 in the opening frame. However, Steeler goaltender Zach Bennett continued his strong play keeping the score 0-0 going into the first intermission.
The Oil Caps carried the momentum created in the first period scoring back to back markers early in the second period. Parker Brakebill, playing in his first MJHL playoff game would get the Oil Caps on the board at 2:30 with assists going to Brett Paddock and Brock Shwaluk.
Kolten Kanaski would respond again at 4:39 with his seventh of the playoffs with assists going to Tristen Cross and Blake Sidoni. The Oil Caps would close out the period with a power play marker scored by Kanaski with assists going to Jayden Wojciechowski and Ben Dalke giving the Oil Caps at 3-0 lead at the conclusion of period 2.
The Steelers game out strong in the third period and would begin pulling the goaltender with 7 minutes remaining. The Steelers would cut into the Oil Caps lead scoring 2 late goals at 16:28 and 19:41 with both markers going to Steeler defensemen Brady Pupp. Time would run out on the Steeler come back as the Oil Caps would hold on to a 3-2 win and 4-2 series win.
The Oil Caps were lead in the series by strong goaltending by both Dalton Dosch who left game 3 with an injury, and Riley Wallace who came into the series winning game 5 and 6.
Kolten Kanaski had an outstanding series scoring 8 goals highlighted by his game 1 triple over time tally. Special teams also would play a major role in the series as the Oil Caps would score seven times on the power play.
Head Coach/ GM Troy Leslie was pleased with the teams first round performance. “I thought we played some of our best hockey of the season in game five and six. Our goaltending was very solid with both Dalton and Riley playing very well. Our special teams were very good as we were able to score seven power play goals. We had great performances from everyone up and down our line up. Kolten had a great series scoring 8 times. I was very proud of the way our team played without the puck. We were defensively sound. The Steelers had a great season and pushed us every step of the way.”
The Oil Caps head to the League Semi Finals for the fourth time in seven seasons. Their opponent will not be determined until the conclusion of the Steinbach Piston – Winnipeg Blues series that continues this evening in Winnipeg with game six.