The Victoria Royals held off the Swift Current Broncos 5-4 in regulation, built on a two-goal opening period and a lead they never surrendered. Victoria was up 2-0 after twenty minutes and 4-3 after forty, then matched the Broncos goal-for-goal in the third.
The Royals scored twice in the first and twice again in the second, but Swift Current's three-goal middle period cut the margin to one at 4-3 and turned the game into a one-possession affair. The third was split 1-1, Victoria answering to reach five and keep the Broncos at arm's length.
The decisive number is the second period: 2-3 against, the only frame Victoria lost, and the reason a 2-0 cushion became a 5-4 finish. Four goals against in regulation left no room for error, and the Royals' ability to keep scoring in the third was the difference.