A shorthanded goal from Saanich Braves captain Jack Rachwalski in the first period, and a stellar night from goalie Riley Mathieson, pushed the Braves past the Campbell River Storm 2-1 on Wednesday night at Pearkes Arena.
The win tied the first round, best of seven Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League playoff series. The Storm took the first game 5-2 on in Campbell River on Tuesday.
The winning goal on Wednesday came from Scott Henderson in the second period for the Braves. Mathieson made 41 saves to hold the Storm to one goal. Rachwalski assisted on Henderson's goal, giving the captain two points in the game and a share of the VIJHL playoff scoring lead with three points.
Game 3 is Friday night at the Rod Brindamour Arena in Campbell River. Game 4 is at Pearkes on Sunday, at 4:30 p.m.
During the regular season the Storm won 38 games to the Braves' 12.