By Scott Roblin

Cubs fall to Copperheads in overtime, Breznik shines with 57 saves

Jan 28, 2018 | 1:45 PM

COALDALE, AB – Josh Breznik put on a show for the Medicine Hat Travelodge Cubs on Saturday, helping the team to a single point against the Coaldale Copperheads.

Coming into Saturday’s game, the Cubs and the Strathmore Wheatland Kings were battling for the final playoff spot in the HJHL’s South Division.

Coaldale didn’t do the Cubs any favours in the opening period, outshooting Medicine Hat 16-3 and opening the scoring 1:31 into the period off the blade of Chase Williamson.

Despite being heavily outshot, the Cubs found the game-tying goal just before the midway mark of the second with Noah Irvine getting his 22nd goal of the season.

The Copperheads regained their one-goal lead a few minutes later from Jedd Horvath, but Medicine Hat responded with 3:36 left in the period from Matt Clement on the power play.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

23h ago

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

Breznik was a wall in the third period, stopping all 23 shots he faced to send the game to overtime and guarantee a point for the Cubs.

Coaldale finally was able to solve Breznik 38 seconds into the extra frame, as Tyler Anderson scored the game-winner to give the Copperheads a 3-2 victory.

Making 57 saves in the loss, Breznik surpassed his previous season-high of 51 saves against the High River Flyers last weekend.

Moving to a record of 11-18-2 on the season, the Cubs and Wheatland Kings now hold identical records and are tied for the final playoff position.

With only five games remaining in the regular season, Medicine Hat and Strathmore meet in one of the biggest games of the season on Sunday afternoon to kick off a home-and-home set.