The Cougars forced a game 7 Sunday night after a 4-3 victory Friday night at Pearkes Arena.

Braves goals scored by Travis Stephens, Alex Wong (picture)and Trevor Crosby.

Ben Kantor made his 3rd start in a row in net and stopped 34 of the 38 directed his way.

Only one goal scored in the first period and it was Travis Stephens giving the Braves the early lead as he beat Pelzner with a low wrist shot under the blocker 3:39 into the game. Assists to Brandon Nicholson and AP Sam McMullen.

Braves with a 12-11 shot advantage. One minor and a 10 called on the Cougars by referee Ryan Benbow.

5:51 into the middle period the Cougars tied it up on the power play as Tom Kala wristed one behind Kantor under his blocker.

Midway through the period on a scramble in front of Kantor, Justin Sotkowy jabbed away at the puck until it crossed the line to give the Cougars the lead.

1:48 later the Braves tied it up as Brad Dick found Alex Wong (picture) streaking in on a partial break away. Wong burying the snap shot off the post and in behind Pelzner. Blaine Carey with the 2nd helper.

Cougars out shooting the Braves 13-10. Two penaties called on the Braves, one on the Cougars.

The score stayed even at 2 until just under 9 minutes remaining in the game as Kala and Jim Carter scored 2:37 apart to give the Cougars a two goal lead.

With 4:14 remaining in the game while playing short handed, Trevor Crosby gave the Braves some hope as he took a pass from Matt Maycock and fired one from just inside the blue line between a defenders legs and beat Pelzner into the top corner. Ryan Komori with the extra helper.

That would be as close as it would get as time expired forcing the 7th and deciding game.

Cougars with a 14-8 shot advantage, 38-30 over all. Two minors called on the Cougars, four minors for the Braves.

Before the game, VIJHL President Ken Connelly handed out awards to Ty Jones for Rookie Of The Year, and to Trevor Yee for Sportsmanship & Ability.

Puck drops Sunday night in Esquimalt at 7:15pm.