EDMONTON, Alta. - It was Brandon Ralph who proved to be the hero on Friday night, scoring the double-overtime goal as the NAIT Ooks men's hockey team defeated the Augustana Vikings 4-3 in a thrilling ACAC semifinal series opener.

Devon McAndrews opened up the scoring for the Ooks in the first period. Travis Mayan of the Vikings added an early second-period goal while Francis Menard notched a pair to put the Ooks up 3-1. Mitch McMullin responded for the Vikings midway through the third on the powerplay to bring the Vikings within one. Cody Fiala was able to tie the game with a minute to play in regulation by jamming the puck in when a scrum ensued around NAIT goaltender Nathan Park. Ultimately Brandon Ralph would settle the decision with his early double overtime goal to send the Ooks to victory. The Ooks outshot the Vikings 47-36 in the win. 

The teams will now rematch Saturday night in Camrose at 6:00 pm and then return to NAIT Sunday at 6:30 pm if a third game is needed.