Lethbridge – Facing each other for the first time since 2013, the Fraser Valley Cascades, scoring once in each half, built a two goal lead early in the second half and held on to beat the Lethbridge Pronghorns 2-1.
The loss drops the Pronghorns to 1-6-2 on the season, while the Cascades put a halt to a three game losing streak and improve to 2-4-1.
Elijah Sampson and Karan Kular scored for the Cascades, while Stephen Primeau responded for the Pronghorns.
The Cascades came out with early pace and had the first chances of the match. Bronson Hartley nearly took advantage of ill-advised pass back by a 'Horns defender but Hartley missed high.
With Cascades out chancing the Pronghorns though out the opening half, it wasn't until the final minute of the opening half were the visitors were rewarded. Elijah Sampson snagged his own rebound and slotted his first of the season, past a down and out Nolan French.
In the opening 45 minutes, the Pronghorns only attempted three shots to the Cascades nine but each team was credited with two shots on goal. Cascades keeper David Hicks made two routine saves to keep the Pronghorns off the scoreboard.
Only five minutes into the second half, the Cascades doubled their lead. Karan Kular swung the ball in from wide side and eluded French inside the near post.
With 23 minutes remaining, the Pronghorns were finally able to get their attack on track. Dominique Point du Jour eluded one Cascade defender and found Stephen Primeau inside the penalty area and Primeau made no mistake curling a shot into the low left corner. The goal was Primeau's second of the season.
The Pronghorns had a good look to tie the game in the 78th minute off a free kick from just outside the box but Hicks was in perfect position to make the save.
Back down the field, the Cascades nearly sealed the result but 'Horns French made a spectacular save off a header from Parman Minhas.
In the dying minutes, Stephen Primeau connected with his brother Andrew, sending Andrew in on a partial break but Cascades Hicks' dove to his right, making a outstanding save to keep his side up a goal.
Through fulltime and stoppage time, the Pronghorn pushed forward but could not find the equalizer.
The Pronghorns will look to put an end to three game losing streak tomorrow afternoon, hosting the UNBC Timberwolves, kick-off is slated for 2:15pm at the University Community Stadium. The Cascades head north to Edmonton to face the MacEwan Griffins.