The SMAAAHL semifinals started Tuesday night, with three of the four teams having strong ties to Weyburn and area.

The Regina Pat Canadians, with Weyburn’s Braden Birnie in the line-up, began their best-of-five series on home ice against the Notre Dame Hounds. The Hounds are captained by Drew Englot, who played his minor hockey in Weyburn.

The Pat Canadians skated to a 2-0 win.

Game two of the series will be played Thursday night in Wilcox.

The Tisdale Trojans, captained by Weyburn’s Luke Arndt, and featuring Weyburn’s Zac Robins and Red Wings commit Liam Rutten, played host to the Saskatoon Blazers. The Blazers took the first game in the best of five series 3-2.

Game two will be on Thursday as well.