It took six games, over 3,400 km traveled on the bus, which is basically driving from Winkler to Miami Florida, but the Winkler Flyers are off to round two.

The Flyers edged the OCN Blizzard 7-6 in overtime in game six Sunday to win the series 4-2 and advance to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's semifinals.

Winkler's second-round opponent will be the Virden Oil Capitals who finished second in the MJHL with a record of 40-17-2-1 and had 83 points. Meanwhile, the Flyers, who finished fifth finished the 2017-18 regular season at 35-25, which was good enough for 70 points.

During the season the Flyers and Oil Capitals met six times with Virden winning four of the six meetings. Winkler was outscored 29-21 during the season.

Although the Flyers may have lost the season series they did have fewer goals against by only giving up 175 in 60 games. Flyers goaltender Troy Martyniuk posted a 28 and 19 record while earning a .912 save% and a 2.77 GAA in 48 games played.

Through round one of the playoffs Winkler Flyers defense Mitch Dyck leads all skaters in points with 1 goal and 11 assists. He recorded at least one point in every game against OCN, including a six-point performance in game six Sunday and is currently riding a 12 game point streak dating back to February 17th.

Other offensive threats to watch during the series against Virden are Brett Opperman (6G 1A), Weiland Parrish (3G 4A), Matt Christian (3G 3A), Will Blake (3G 3A), and Coltyn Bates (2G 3A)

The other semifinal series will see the Winnipeg Blues square off with the Steinbach Pistons after knocking off the 3-time defending champion Portage Terriers in six games. The Pistons, on the other hand, swept the Swan Valley Stampeders in four straight.

The seven-game series will start Friday in Virden.

Game 1: Friday March 23 Winkler @ Virden - 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday March 25 Virden @ Winkler - 7:30 p.m.
Game 3: Tuesday March 27 Winkler @ Virden - 7:30 p.m.
Game 4: Thursday March 29 Virden @ Winkler - 7:30 p.m.
*Game 5: Saturday March 31 Winkler @ Virden - 7:30 p.m.
*Game 6: Monday April 02 Virden @ Winkler - 7:30 p.m.
*Game 7: Wednesday April 04 Winkler @ Virden - 7:30 p.m.

*indicates If necessary

NOTE: Matt Christian, Nolan McGuire, Griffin Leonard and Jacob Lacasse all didn't play in game six against the Blizzard due to injuries.