A third-period collapse cost the Cariboo Cougars a chance at victory in the opening game of the B.C. Hockey Major Midget League playoff championship series.
The Cougars surrendered three third-period goals to the Vancouver Northwest Giants Friday night at the Burnaby Winter Club and lost 4-1.
Nathan Craft, with a first-period marker, was the only goal-scorer for the Cougars.
The Giants got the tying goal in the second period and then exploded in the third. Their three goals in the final frame happened a little more than a minute-and-a-half apart. The last two were on power plays.
The Giants outshot the Cougars 29-28.
Game 2 is Saturday at 6:45 p.m. If a third game is necessary, it will be played on Sunday morning, starting at 10:30 a.m.
All games are available online at www.cariboocougars.ca.
