Tristen Nielsen’s hat trick lifts Calgary Hitmen over Saskatoon Blades

Calgary Hitmen forward Tristen Nielsen had an assist and then later completed his hat trick to sink the Saskatoon Blades 5-4 in overtime on Friday.

Gage Ramsay, Josh Paterson, Mark Rubinchik and Braylon Shmyr scored for the Blades at SaskTel Centre.

Mark Kastelic got a shorthanded goal for Calgary, while Carson Focht tied the game up at 4-4 in the third period for the visitors.

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Nielsen netted the game-winner 1:58 into the extra period.

Saskatoon goalie Nolan Maier stopped 30 shots in front of a home crowd of 3,579 Western Hockey League (WHL) fans. Nick Schneider made 20 saves for the Hitmen (21-36-10).

The Prince Albert Raiders (31-25-11) sit five points ahead of Saskatoon in the hunt for a WHL playoff spot.

The Blades (32-31-4) host the Brandon Wheat Kings (36-26-5) on Saturday.