The High River Brewing Co. Flyers took down the Carstar Okotoks Bisons 4-1 on Saturday night at the Murray arena in Okotoks.

Goalie Kashton Payne led the way for the Flyers stopping 53 shots including 24 in the first period.

And it was the Flyers that light up the red light first with a short-handed goal by Brendan McKague from Cody Steinert at 13:34 and it would be all specialty team goals for the remainder of the game.

Brandon Jarman (Steinert, Easton Weasel Head) and McCallum Bakken (Steinert, Weasel Head) each scored powerplay goals in the second to extend their lead to 3-0 by the end of 40 minutes.

Lucas Watkins would score for the Herd at the 10:07 of the third, assisted by Adam Kirkpatrick and Nolan Smith on a powerplay to make it a 3-1 game but the Easton Weasel Head would add another powerplay goal for the Flyers at 13:27 from Ethan Burgeson and Jagr Marshall to secure the win.

Cody Steinert finished the night with three assists as Easton Weasel Head added a goal and two assists.

The surprising opening game win showcases the roll and momentum the Flyers have been on since finishing the regular HJHL season on a seven -game winning streak. They ended up beating the Cochrane Generals in round one on Friday night, two-games-to-one, after losing the opening game.  The Flyers swooped into enemy territory over two consecutive nights now to pick up huge wins.  Grady Nicholas played net for the Bisons and stopped 22 of 26 shots faced.

The Okotoks Bisons lead the HJHL in the regular season with 69 points and a 34-3-1 record. The Bisons had a bye in the first round.

Bisons Kegan Law was also given a match penalty for checking from behind and has been suspended until March 2.  If the best of five series goes to a game five, then Law would be eligible to return.

Game two of the best of five series is in High River at the Bob Snodgrass Rec Plex on Monday Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

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