Glaslyn North Stars’ goaltender, Jackson Pylypow was a difference-maker Wednesday night in Battleford, making several key saves in his team's series-deciding victory over the Beaver Blues. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Final Four Set

Glaslyn top Beaver Blues in Game 3; solidify SPHL semi-finals

Feb 15, 2024 | 4:00 PM

The Glaslyn North Stars came through with a clutch 7-4 victory in the third-and-deciding game of their first round Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League (SPHL) playoff series with the Battlefords Beaver Blues, Wednesday night at Battleford Arena.

North Stars’ forwards Regan Yew (two goals, one assist), William Desjarlais (one goal, two assists), and Darren Delainey (one goal, one assist) each registered multi-point games in the win, while goalie Jackson Pylypow was named Player of the Game for his strong play between the pipes.

Semi-finals set

With the conclusion of the final quarterfinal series to wrap up, the stage is now set for the final four in league semi-final play. Unlike the first round, which was a best of three, the semis will be a pair of best-of-five series.

Neilburg Monarchs (#1) vs. Glaslyn North Stars (#5)

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Glaslyn will advance to play the top-seeded Neilburg Monarchs in the semis, after Neilburg topped Maidstone in their first round series in two straight, having now won 13 in a row dating back to the regular season.

North Stars’ forward, B.J. Carey said the team will need to come out as the aggressors to find success against a highly-skilled Neilburg team.

“The only way we win this series is if we play complete games, finish our checks, and play hard,” Carey said. “They have a lot of skill backed by one of the top goalies in the league and the only way we win is if we come out dictating the play to them, and not letting them take it to us.”

Game 1 of the series will be played Saturday in Neilburg, with puck drop at 8 p.m.

Meota Combines (#2) vs. Turtleford Tigers (#3)

The two-time defending champion Meota Combines will face the Turtleford Tigers in the other semi-final matchup, reigniting one of the premier rivalries in the SPHL over the last handful of years.

This will mark the fourth straight year the teams will meet in the playoffs, with the Combines edging out the Tigers in the league finals each of the last two years.

After splitting the season series this year at a game apiece – with each decided by just a single goal – Meota forward, Aaron Cadrin said the key heading into the series will be to stay out of the box and limit the Tigers’ opportunities.

“We need to play our game and not make mistakes,” Cadrin said. “It seems like when we make mistakes against these guys or give them a power play we usually end up paying for it. If we can play a simple, clean game I think we have a good chance.”

Game 1 of the series will be played Thursday night in North Battleford, with puck drop at the ACC at 8:45 p.m.

The full SPHL playoff schedule, as dates are finalized can be found here.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

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