It was a win the Parkland U-18 Rangers had to have and while it wasn't pretty at all times, they got the job done.
Ryder Gardner was the hero as he scored his fifth of the season with just 61 seconds left in regulation as the Rangers came from behind to down the Yellowhead Chiefs, 4-3, in a thrilling game in Shoal Lake.
The Chiefs came out on fire as they took a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes before Forrest Karlson of Dauphin cut into that deficit in the second. Dayson Martin (15) and Cade Legaarden (17) scored in the third within 11 seconds of eachother to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead.
Oliver Nickel scored shorthanded with less than five minutes to tie it and while the game looked like it was destined for overtime, Gardner said not this time. It was his biggest goal as a Ranger as the team won their fourth straight game.
Parkland is three points behind the fifth place Winnipeg Thrashers and five up on Pembina Valley, who sit in ninth. The Rangers host Kenora this weekend twice on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is Ukrainian Night and you can get your tickets for $5 at Ruff's Furniture.
