The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats opened the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League playoffs with a triple overtime win over the host Regina Rebels Thursday.
Janessa Fournier notched the game winner midway through the third overtime period to end the marathon game of over 100 minutes to open the best-of-five playoff series.
The Wildcats had forced overtime with a late goal from Shelby Ballan with only five seconds remaining in regulation. Taylor Lind, the league’s leading scorer, had scored in the second period and assisted on the other two goals.
Ballan and Mikayla Swallow added assists for the Wildcats.
Lauren Focht and Samantha Sichkaruk scored for the Rebels to give them 1-0 and 2-1 leads.
Amara Lewendon got the win with 25 saves. Chantal Burke made 42 saves in the loss.
Game two will be played Saturday in Swift Current at 7:45 p.m. at Fairview West Arena.
