A controversial goal turned out to be the winning goal in the first game of the best of 3 Pacific Play down between the BC champion Cariboo Cougars and the top team in the Alberta Major Midget League the Calgary Buffaloes. While leading 3-2 late in the second period Calgary took a 4-2 lead on a goal the Cougars say was whistled down before it crossed the line. The ref’s conferred with the goal judge and the 4-2 advantage stood heading for the third period. The Cougars made it 4-3 in the final frame before the Buffaloes added two late ones for a 6-3 final. This was the first time the Cougars had lost in 7 outings in the playoffs and now they have their backs against the wall. They must win game two on Saturday night to force a third and final game in the series on Sunday. The winning team moves on to the Telus Cup, national midget hockey championship.