Vipers Outlast Wranglers in Four-Game Battle
The Red Deer Vipers are the Don Lunn North Division Champions.
In a hard‑fought best‑of‑five series, the Vipers defeated the Sylvan Lake Wranglers 3–1, clinching the 2026 Heritage Junior Hockey League North Division Final with a statement 4–2 road win on Thursday, March 5.
From overtime drama to clutch third‑period heroics, this series delivered everything junior hockey fans expect in playoff season.
Series Recap: How It Unfolded
Game 1 – February 28 | Red Deer
Vipers 3, Wranglers 2 (OT)
Mason Hastings scored just 2:08 into overtime, lifting Red Deer to a series‑opening win and immediately shifting momentum.
Game 2 – March 1 | Sylvan Lake
Wranglers 3, Vipers 2
Sylvan Lake answered back behind captain Aydden Shaw, who set a new Sylvan Lake Wranglers all‑time playoff assist record, marking a historic night despite the tight scoreline.
Game 3 – March 3 | Red Deer
Vipers 2, Wranglers 0
Back on home ice, Red Deer delivered a composed and disciplined performance, earning a shutout to regain the series lead.
Game 4 – March 5 | Sylvan Lake
Vipers 4, Wranglers 2
With the game tied late, Evan Lemke took control, scoring two third‑period goals to break the deadlock and secure the North Division title for the Vipers.
Players Who Defined the Series
Evan Lemke – Red Deer Vipers
Lemke delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the third period of Game 4 to turn a tied game into a championship‑clinching win.
Aydden Shaw – Sylvan Lake Wranglers
Shaw’s leadership and playmaking stood out throughout the series, highlighted by his 39th career playoff assist, the most in Sylvan Lake Wranglers postseason history.
Meyer Gaume – Red Deer Vipers
Gaume was steady throughout the matchup, most notably stopping 35 of 37 shots in the Game 1 overtime victory to give Red Deer the early edge.
Series Snapshot
| Game | Date | Result | Location | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 28 | RDV 3 – SLW 2 (OT) | Red Deer | Hastings overtime winner |
| 2 | Mar 1 | SLW 3 – RDV 2 | Sylvan Lake | Shaw sets playoff assist record |
| 3 | Mar 3 | RDV 2 – SLW 0 | Red Deer | Vipers shutout |
| 4 | Mar 5 | RDV 4 – SLW 2 | Sylvan Lake | Lemke scores twice in third |
What’s Next
As North Division champions, the Red Deer Vipers advance to the HJHL League Finals, where they will face the South Division champion Medicine Hat Cubs with the league title on the line.
The League Finals schedule will be announced shortly.
Join the Conversation
Was this one of the most competitive North Division Finals in recent seasons?
Who stood out most for your team during the series?
Can the Vipers carry this momentum into the League Finals?
Follow the Heritage Junior Hockey League for full schedules, results, and playoff coverage.
