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The Reps (14-10-1) defeated northern Michigan Hockey League rival Mid Michigan, 3-2, and advanced to play Traverse City West (19-5-1) in the pre-regional final at Centre Ice on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The winner moves to the regional final game in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, March 2.

Reps goalie Nick Rausch (Elk Rapids) made 17 saves to get the win, including three shots from point-blank range in the first period, when the Storm threatened to take an early lead.

Fisher put the Reps in front, 1-0, when he scored at 14:26 of the opening period. Andrew Paulosky (ER) and Anthony Armour (TCSF) got the assists.

Kalkaska's Tim Dixon made it a 2-0 lead with a goal at 9:16 of the second period assisted by Fisher and Mike Kowalski (TCSF).

The Storm came back to tie the game, 2-2, before the second period was finished, with goals from Curtis Schiemann (10:20) and Seth Sharp (13:15).

"We have to struggle with Mid Michigan all the time," Reps coach Rex Luxton said. "There is something about the games between them and us."

Fisher's game-winner came on a four-on-three power play in the opening seconds of the final period with the assists on the play going to Paulosky and Kowalski.

Luxton looks forward to the match up with TC West saying, "We're going to have to play very well to win the game. They're ranked No. 4 in the state, and that says it all."

Big Rapids 4, Bay Reps 0
Big Rapids scored a pair of goals in the first two minutes of play then added two goals in the third period to hand the Reps a 4-0 loss in the final regular season game on Friday, Feb. 23.

Big Rapids took just six shots on goal in the first 15 minutes, but the home team made the most of its opportunities, converting at 1:28 and 1:56 of the period.

"By the time we woke up, we were behind the eight ball," Luxton said.

The Reps had their chances in the middle session as they out-shot Big Rapids 12-5 but failed to hit the twine and break through on the scoreboard.

"We settled down and had a good second period, but we just couldn't put the puck in the net," Luxton said.

Big Rapids tallied two insurance goals at 1:13 and 5:55 of the third period.

"They were all even-strength goals, but when we put ourselves in a hole it was tough to comeback," Luxton said.