Leprechauns fight back, force Game 6

Studabakers rally from early 2-0 deficit and pull away in Game 5, shifting momentum as pressure builds ahead of Saturday night showdown at Rotary Place

Studabakers Beachside forward Nolan Inglis chatting up teammate Mitchell Webb after scoring in Game 5.

The Cup was in the building, the crowd had that playoff buzz, and for a moment early on, it felt like the Famous Archie’s Ice Llamas were about to end it.

They came out flying in Game 5 of the Arena Series, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead and putting the Studabakers Leprechauns on their heels. With the series sitting at 3-1, you could feel the tension shift. Leprechauns fans, still holding onto hope, suddenly looked nervous as the Ice Llamas pushed for the knockout punch.

But this one wasn’t going quietly.

The Leprechauns responded the way desperate teams do. They settled in, tightened things up defensively in front of goaltender Braeden Price, and started to claw their way back. One goal turned into two, and before long, they had flipped the game completely, taking a 3-2 lead and swinging momentum right back in their favour.

The Ice Llamas answered to tie it 3-3, refusing to let the moment slip, but that would be as close as they’d get. From there, the Leprechauns took over. They regained the lead at 4-3 and never looked back, pulling away as the game opened up. What started as a potential championship night for the Ice Llamas turned into a statement response from a team that simply wasn’t ready for their season to end.

Cody Koesdibyo, between the pipes for the Ice Llamas, faced a surge as the Leprechauns found their rhythm, while Price stood tall at the other end as the pressure mounted late.

Offensively, the stars continued to shine. Mitchell Webb remains atop the Arena Series scoring race, now sitting with 19 points, while Owen Woolhouse, Connor Flannery, and Nolan Inglis are all right behind, highlighting just how much firepower has defined this series.

Now, the storyline shifts. The Ice Llamas lead the series 3-2, but what once felt inevitable suddenly feels uncertain.

They’ll get another chance to close it out Saturday night at Rotary Place, with puck drop set for 8:45 p.m.