Barrie Colts stay alive in OHL Eastern Conference final

The Barrie Colts win Game 5 in overtime to stay alive in their OHL Eastern Conference final series with the Brantford Bulldogs. (Courtesy: FloHockey)

The Barrie Colts will live to see another game in the Ontario Hockey League’s Eastern Conference final.

The Brantford Bulldogs welcomed the Barrie Colts to the TD Civic Centre on Thursday as the Bulldogs commanded a 3 – 1 lead on the series.

Tempers flared on the ice as the Colts fought for survival during the penalty plagued game.

The Bulldogs led through the first period thanks to a goal from Caleb Malhotra, but the Colts’ Emil Hemming answered back with a power play goal in the second period.

Marek Vanacker helped Brantford pull ahead again with his own power play goal, giving the Bulldogs a 2 – 1 lead going into the third period.

A pair of goals from Barrie’s William Schneid and Jaiden Newton briefly put the Colts ahead before Malhotra knocked the puck out of the air and past Barrie’s Ben Hrebik to tie things up again just seconds later.

With the score stalled at 3-all, the game went into overtime.

After an intense back-and-forth, Barrie’s Brad Gardiner played hero, finding the twine with just under six-and-a-half minutes left for the 4 – 3 win.

The series now moves back to Barrie for Game 6 on Saturday.