Hey, everybody – Reader here!
It was a big night at C.N. Community Centre in Melville last night, as the Millionaires were looking to keep their season alive, when they played host to the defending SJHL champion Battlefords North Stars, in Game Four of their quarterfinal series.
After the visitors exploded for a four goal third period to win 5-3 on Tuesday night, the Mils found themselves trailing 3-0 in the best-of-seven series.
So, use whatever cliche you prefer, like “do or die” or “backs against the wall”, the Millionaires had to win to force a fifth game.
A great crowd was on hand once again to take in the action and cheer on the home side.
Everyone settled in and was ready to make some noise for the Mils!
It didn’t take long for that to happen, as the crowd got even louder when Brendan Olson put the Mils up 1-0 just over seven minutes into the game, but the North Stars tied it up just over two minutes later, and the game was tied at one after twenty minutes.
Neither team could find the back of the net in the second, but Battlefords took a 2-1 lead at the 6:10 mark of period three.
But the home side wasn’t done, as Euan Morrison evened things up just over a minute later, and the noise level was cranked up once again!
That set the stage for overtime, for the first time in the series.
Both teams had their chances in the extra period, but ultimately, The North Stars’ Rylan Williams was able to sneak one in by Mils’ goalie Will Dyke, who had made 42 saves by that point, to lift Battlefords to the victory, and, to complete the four-game sweep
There is nothing quite like the agony and ecstasy of playoff hockey overtime. As a hockey fan, there is no greater thrill than watching two teams battle it out in sudden death OT, knowing that one mistake could mean the end of their season.
The agony comes from the intense pressure that both teams face as they fight to stay alive in the playoffs.
Every shot on goal, every save, every hit means that much more. You can cut the tension in the arena with a knife, with fans on the edge of their seats, holding their breath with every shot.
But with the agony comes the ecstasy of playoff hockey overtime. The thrill of watching a team score a goal and win the game in overtime is unlike anything else in sports. The joy and elation of the players and fans as they celebrate a hard-fought victory is truly special.
But when your team comes out on the wrong end, it stings that much more.
And so, in the end, it was heartbreak for the home side. But the Mils should hold their heads high.
After a lengthy playoff drought, the Mils returned to the postseason, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ll do in the 2024-25 season. One step at a time.
But it was such a great time last night, and the atmosphere in the building was so much fun!
Oh, and one other thing. On the advice of my friend Janice and a few other friends, I finally got my hands (and mouth) on a tasty treat that I was told I had to try.
I’d heard from a few people that the poutine at C.N. Community Centre was pretty darn good. And you know what?
It was FANTASTIC!
And massive. I’m still full may not have to eat again for a couple of days!
All in all, despite the outcome, it was a great night in Melville, and I can’t wait for next season, to enjoy some more hockey nights in the Rail City.
Let’s go, Mils!!!
