Bruins remarkable comeback bid falls short against Notre Dame

WILCOX - It was nearly one of the most remarkable comebacks in Estevan Bruins’ history.

The Bruins trailed 8-3 entering the third period, but scored four times in about four minutes to pull within a goal, however, they couldn’t muster the tying marker in an 8-7 loss to the Notre Dame Hounds Sunday in Wilcox.

Notre Dame scored four times in the opening three minutes of the game, with Will Dawson, Jake Sacratini, Blake Rasmuson and Connor Nolan getting goals. Sacratini, Rasmuson and Nolan scored 64 seconds apart.

Caelan Fitzpatrick scored less than three minutes after Nolan’s goal, but then Jaryd Sych responded for the Hounds before the period was out.

Notre Dame outscored the Bruins 3-2 in the second to lead 8-3 through two. Fitzpatrick and Alex Von Sprecken scored for Estevan, while Sych, Dawson and Try Taylor had the Notre Dame goals.

There was a lengthy delay midway through the second period, after Bruins' forward Jamie Valentino passed out for a few seconds on the bench, according to the Bruins' Twitter feed. He needed medical treatment from the training staff for both teams and a nurse in attendance.

The Bruins said Valentino had something to eat, and is tired but otherwise fine. He was on the bus with the team as they travelled back to Estevan

Olivier Pouliot ignited the comeback bid 3:24 into the third period, and Eric Pearce scored 27 seconds later. Goals by Mikol Sartor and Fitzpatrick 77 seconds apart pulled the Bruins to within one with 12 1/2 minutes remaining, but the Bruins wouldn’t get any closer despite some chances to score.

Boston Bilous and Cam Hrdlicka split the goaltending duties, with Bilous allowing five goals and Hrdlicka three. Austin Elliott stopped 34 of 42 shots for Notre Dame.

The loss was the Bruins’ first in regulation this season.

Estevan (34-8-1-3) has 72 points. They will host the Kindersley Klippers on Friday and Notre Dame on Saturday. Both games will start at 7:30 p.m. at Affinity Place.