Wednesday's Game 4 was fast and physical throughout, as the rivalry between the Stars and Bombers is in full force heading into Game 5 in North Battleford, Friday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Series tied 2-2

Bombers edge Stars in OT, tie series with Game 4 win

Mar 24, 2022 | 2:06 AM

It was a heartbreaking finish for the Battlefords North Stars Wednesday night at the Whitney Forum, as the team fell 4-3 to Flin Flon in overtime of Game 4 of their first round playoff series.

A 2-1 Stars lead at the end of the first, and 3-1 lead after 40 minutes, the Bombers scored two-unanswered in the third period to force OT – before Jacob Vockler’s tally to win it – to tie the best-of-seven series at two games apiece heading back to North Battleford for Game 5 Friday.

Dylan Esau scored a pair of goals for the Stars in the loss, while Evan Waldie added his first of the playoffs, Steven Kesslering picked up three assists, and Michael Harroch stopped 46 of 50 shots-against on the night.

Bombers’ forward, Jacob Vockler scored the overtime winner just 4:23 into the extra period for his team-leading third of the playoffs on a quick tick-tac-toe play in front, while Flon captain Zak Smith, and Matt Raymond also notched their first of the postseason for the Bombers, and Brett Wieschorster also cashed in for his team.

In a series where special teams play had been largely the determining factor through the first three games, Game 4 saw the teams combine for an 0-for-6 billing on the man advantage (Stars 0-for-1; Bombers 0-for-5 on the night), though Esau’s first of the game did come shorthanded off a rush chance.

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The Stars will now look to regroup quickly, as Game 5 will shift back to the Battlefords at the ACC Friday night, with a chance to grab a 3-2 series lead and put their opponent’s season on the line.

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will be available Friday on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 7 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

In other Game 4 action around the league, (#6) Yorkton beat (#3) Melfort 5-2 to take a 3-1 series lead, and (#2) Humboldt topped (#7) La Ronge 7-5 to tie their series 2-2. (#1) Estevan will play (#8) Notre Dame in Game 4 of their series Thursday, as the Bruins currently hold a 2-1 series lead.

Scoring summary

First period:

4:28 BAT Evan Waldie (1) ASST: Steven Kesslering (2)

4:53 FF Zak Smith (1) ASST: None

5:57 BAT Dylan Esau (2) ASST: Steven Kesslering (3) (SH)

Second period:

6:19 BAT Dylan Esau (3) ASST: Steven Kesslering (4)

Third period:

3:36 FF Matt Raymond (1) ASST: Brett Weischorster (1), Mason Kaspick (2)

9:35 FF Brett Wieschorster (2) ASST: Mason Kaspick (3), Matt Raymond (2)

Overtime:

4:23 FF Jacob Vockler (3) ASST: Drew Kuzma (2), Gabriel Shipper (2)

4-3 Bombers, the final

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1