The Swift Current Innovation Credit Union U18 AAA Wildcats fell 3-2 to the Saskatoon Stars in the first game of the best-of-three league semi-final on Saturday at Merlis Belsher Place.

Ireland Stein opened the scoring for Saskatoon midway through the first period before Addison Eurich equalized with a power play goal about 90 seconds later, and then Sadie Keller scored with 2:08 left in the opening frame to put the Wildcats up 2-1 after 20 minutes. The Stars evened the game up again on a goal from Alida Korte 4:32 into the second period, and then Brielle Minish scored at the 6:58 mark to put Saskatoon ahead. That goal would hold up as the game-winner through the remaining 33 minutes of scoreless hockey.

Karlee Lehner made 20 saves for Swift Current as the Stars outshot the Wildcats 22-18.

The Wildcats host game two of the series Sunday at 6:00pm from S3 Arenas needing a win to force a third and deciding game of the series on Tuesday in Saskatoon.

U15 Broncos, U13 Wildcats eliminated

The Pure Chem U15 AA Broncos' season came to an end after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Regina Aces on Saturday at InnovationPlex. Chase Petersen scored twice and Jacob Penley had the other goal for the Broncos. Jagger Ruud scored with 1:13 left in the first overtime period to help Regina complete a sweep of the best-of-three series and advance to the south final, where they'll face the Regina Monarchs.

Meanwhile, Macklin Connor had the lone goal for the WW Smith U13 Wildcats as they fell 3-1 to the Western Prairie Thunder in Kindersley on Saturday and also saw their season end with a two-game sweep.