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.
Toporowski also scored 3 hours earlier during the first period.
Ben Kantor was strong between the pipes saving 62 of the 63 shots he faced.
The Braves managed to score the only goal in the first period and it came with 2:04 remaining in the opener as Toporowski took a pass from Ryan Komori and beat Max Pelzner who was making his 8th straight start in net for the Cougars. Trevor Yee with the 2nd assist.
Cougars out shooting the Braves 10-8. Five minors called on the Braves by referee Ryan Benbow, two on the Cougars.
Midway through the second period Sam Rice evened the scoring as he put one behind Kantor with an unassisted effort at the 11:37 mark.
Cougars with a shot lead of 18-7. Three minors called on each team.
The 3rd period was full of action, but both goalies were up to the task and put the game into extra time.
Cougars with a 15-9 shot advantage. Three minors called on the Braves, two on the visitors.
On to a 10-minute period of overtime without an ice cleaning but nothing would be solved.
Braves out shooting the Cougars 9-4 and there would be no penalties called the remainder of the game.
20 more minutes of overtime after a clean sheet of ice, but again it would be the goalies stealing the show as the Cougars out shot the home team 15-13.
After another intermission and no goals scored in 58:23 of play, it was the Braves ending it early in the 6th period as Toporowski found a loose puck and rifled it in off the crossbar over Pelzner.
One shot for each team. Cougars with an over all shot lead of 63-47.
Ben Kantor was the games 1st Star with his 62 saves. Ryan Toporowski was the 2nd Star scoring both Saanich goals, and Ty Jones was the 3rd Star who put himself in a position to end it on numerous occasions.
Game 5 is set for Thursday night in Esquimalt. Puck drops at 7:15pm.
