The Medicine Hat Cubs advanced to the South Division Final after defeating the Carstar Okotoks Bisons 8–5 on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in a decisive Game 5 at the Kinplex.
The win gave the Cubs a 3–2 victory in the best-of-five South Division semifinal series, marking the first time in the post-pandemic era that Medicine Hat has eliminated Okotoks from the playoffs.
The series finale turned into a high-scoring affair, with the Cubs taking control in the middle frame.
First Period
The teams traded goals in the opening period, ending the frame tied 1–1. Carson Kraft opened the scoring for Medicine Hat, while Jakob Semeniuk replied for Okotoks.
Second Period
Medicine Hat erupted for five goals in the second period to build a commanding lead. Cubs captain Kyle Woolridge scored twice in the frame as part of a hat-trick performance.
Third Period
Okotoks pushed back with goals from Hunter Cobb and Avery Greig, but Woolridge sealed the win with an empty-net goal with 1:36 remaining.
Goaltending & Special Teams
Marlo DeRosa earned the win in goal, stopping 18 shots. The Cubs were effective on the power play, finishing 3-for-7, and outshot the Bisons 39–23.
Medicine Hat now moves on to the South Division Final.
