The Saanich Braves battled back from the brink of elimination to force a Game 7 in the VIJHL playoff series with the Nanaimo Buccaneers.
The Braves scored three in the third period to erase a 4-3 Nanaimo lead and earn a 6-4 win in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League semifinal Friday night at Pearkes Arena.
Zach Guerra netted a hat trick for the Braves, who got singles from Hayden Visscher, Michael Sproule and Cameron LeSergent. Brandon Roberge scored twice for the Bucs, with Billy Walters and Trent Bell also chipping in.
Riley Mathieson made 42 saves in the Saanich net, while Derek Krall turned aside 38 shots for the Bucs.
Game 7 goes at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Nanaimo, with the winner going on to face the Campbell River Storm who swept the Westshore Wolves in four games.