BLACKFALDS — Jared Williams and Jason Bell each scored once and added three assists to lead the Blackfalds Wranglers to a 5-2 win over the Red Deer Vipers in Heritage Junior B Hockey League playoff action Thursday.
Jared Kambeitz, Mik Doell and Chance Abbott also tallied for the Wranglers in the opening game of the best-of-seven Northern Division final. Replying for the Vipers were Troy Klaus and Braden Corbett, with Jon Finnigan assisting on both goals.
Layne Swier was stellar in the Blackfalds net, turning aside 45 shots. Brenden Mandrusiak made 30 saves for the Vipers.
The second game is set for 8 p.m. Saturday at the Arena. Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in Blackfalds and Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. at the Arena.
Additional games, if required, will be played Thursday at Blackfalds and March 16 and 17 in Red Deer and Blackfalds.