SASKATOON – Briley Wood scored the game-winning goal at 6:19 of the third period and the Winnipeg Ice edged the Saskatoon Blades 3-2 on Wednesday for a spot in the Western Hockey League championship.

Connor McClennon scored twice for Winnipeg, which swept the Eastern Conference final series. Matthew Savoie dished out two assists, both on McClennon’s markers.

Daniel Hauser made 16 saves in the win.

McClennon and Savoie have produced at a high rate for the Ice through 14 post-season games. Savoie is tied for the league lead with 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) and McClennon is fourth with 21 (13 goals, eight assists).

Aidan De La Gorgendiere and Trevor Wong responded for the Blades. Austin Elliot stopped 33-of-36 shots.

The Ice will face the winner of the Western Conference final between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kamloops Blazers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2023.