Prince George, B.C. – The Cariboo Cougars have been knocked out of the Mac’s AAA Midget Hockey Tournament in Calgary.

The Cougars, who captured the championship in 2015, fell 5-4 in overtime to the Belarus National Under 17 side in semi-final play Saturday afternoon.  Belarus held a two-goal lead going into the third period but the Cougars scored twice to send the game to O/T before Belarus scored a power play goal to win it.

The Prince George squad had captured Pool 2 with a perfect 4 and 0 mark.  Belarus went 4 and 0 to take top spot in Pool 1.

Earlier Saturday morning the Cariboo Cougars, who will host the Telus Cup national AAA midget championship at CN Centre next April, beat the Prince Albert Mintos 4-1 to gain a berth in the semis.

The final between Belarus and the winner of tonight’s other semi-final between Saskatoon and Foothills goes at 3 pm Sunday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.