The Braves terrific season ended on a downer as the Cougars won game 7 in Esquimalt 5-1.
Braves lone goal scored by Travis Stephens.
Tanner McGaw and Ben Kantor shared the net duties.
Just one goal in the opener and it was the Cougars taking the lead with 2:51 remaining as Jim Carter took a pass from Anthony Hordyk and beat McGaw on the power play.
13 shots for each team. Three penalties called on the Braves by referee Adam Griffiths, just one on the home team.
Midway through the 2nd period Sam Rice put the Cougars up by two heading into the final period of game 7.
Cougars with a 13-11 shot advantage. Three minors called on the Braves, four on the Cougars.
The Cougars came out hard early and Hordyk made it 3-0 on the power play, then 38 seconds later Chris Bannister gave the home team a large lead. McGaw left the game on the play with a lower body injury and Ben Kantor came in to finish the game.
7:36 into the final period, Travis Stephens spoiled Pelzner's shut out bid. Ty Jones and Jordan Game also in on the play.
With 1:02 remaining in the season, Tom Kala ended the scoring to give the Cougars the 5-1 victory.
Cougars out shooting the Braves 14-6, 39-30 over all. Four minors and three 10's called on the Braves, two minors called on the Cougars.
The Cyclone Taylor Cup runs April 1-4 in Parksville, hosted by the Oceanside Generals.
The Cougars forced a game 7 Sunday night after a 4-3 victory Friday night at Pearkes Arena.
The Braves came up empty in game 5 as they were defeated 4-1 by the Cougars Thursday night in Esquimalt.
It took a 3rd overtime period to decide Game 4 of the series and it was the Braves getting it done as Ryan Toporowski (picture) buried the winner off the cross bar and in 1:34 into the 6th period to give the Braves a 2-1 victory.
The Cougars snapped a five game losing skid with a 6-1 victory in Esquimalt Sunday night to narrow the Braves series lead to 2-1.




