Wranglers edge Thunder in Game 1

Curtis Rangen’s go-ahead goal early in the third period stood up as the winner as the Blackfalds Wranglers edged the Airdrie Thunder by a 3-2 score in Game 1 of their best-of-five North Division semifinal series on Wednesday.

Jason Wenzel scored twice in the first period to give the Thunder a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes, however the Wranglers would make a goaltending change that would change the course of the game.

Lane Brann was brought in for relief at the start of the second period and would go on to stop all 26 shots he faced.

Austin Wilson tied the game for Blackfalds early in the second period with a power play marker, while Rangen put them out in front 2:56 into the final frame.

Landon Siegle also found the back of the net for the Wranglers, while Ryan Simpson took the loss in the Thunder crease, stopping 34-of-37 on the night.

Game 2 of the series goes Friday night at the Ron Ebbesen Arena in Airdrie. Puck drop goes at 8:15pm.

GAME SUMMARY