Breton Sport & Trophy Cougars held off a hard charging Dartmouth Whalers in Game #1 of Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League play-offs at Shannon Arena in Dartmouth Saturday night.

Cougars netminder Levi Denny made 13 saves in the first to keep the game close and Dylan Morley scored from Brandon Dauphinee to give the Cougars a 1 goal lead after 1 period.

In the second the Whalers fired 13 again at Denny, but he once again slammed the door on the Whalers.  Dan Reid from Derek Gentile and Mitchell Balmas, and Balmas from Brandon Farrell would score late to give the CBRM club a 3-0 lead with 20 minutes to play.

The Cougars found their legs in the 3rd period firing 4 goals by Whaler goalie Jacob Gibbons-Cook.  Reid, Balmas, and Morley each scored their 2nd and Chad O'Neill contined his hot play going top shelf late in the game.  Denver Donnoly from Carlin West-Newcomb scored for the Whalers.  Balmas had 2 goals and 2 assists, while Morley added a helper for a 3 point night.  Dauphinee had 2 helpers while Logan O'Neil picked up a single assist.  Final score 7-1

Denny was spectacular, especially early, making several highlight reel saves to keep the game close.  He finished with 35 stops while Gibbons-Cook kicked aside 19 for the Whalers.  Final score 7-1.  

Game #2 takes place Saturday March 2nd at 7 PM, Game # 3 if necessary takes place Sunday March 3rd at 11 AM.  Both games to be held at Emera Centre Northside.

The winner of the best of 3 series advances to NSMBHL play-offs being hosted by the Cougars March 7-10 at Emera Centre Northside.