The Chelsea High School boys hockey team's showdown with Flint Powers Catholic -- a rematch of last seasons' Division 3 state semifinals, where Powers won in a 4-0 shutout -- was living up to its billing after one period of play.

With 17 minutes in the books, both teams had eight shots and had three powerplay chances as the score was deadlocked at 1-1.

That even-keeled play continued all the way til the waning minutes, where -- this time around -- the Bulldogs delivered the knockout punch.

With three and a half minutes left, Brad Hepler handled the puck and sped behind the Powers net before flinging a backhanded pass to Kody Johnson, planted 10 feet in front of the goal, who popped in the proven game-winner of Chelsea's 3-2 non-conference victory Saturday night at Chelsea's Arctic Coliseum.

"Brad was below, behind the net, and saw me right in front and gave it to me right in the slot," explained Johnson. "I saw the goalie go down, so I shot it right under his arm and got lucky I guess."

It was the second assist for Hepler, who gave the Chargers' defense fits all night with his lightning speed -- not to mention his size, as he stands six-foot-five.