The Central Plains Capitals faced off against the Parkland Rangers Friday night in AAA Midget action. The Caps came into the game tenth in the standings just four points behind Parkland.

The Caps dominated in the first as they were lead by a pair of goals from captain Reilly Funk, including a short-handed marker that he went bar down on Ranger goalie Zach Groutte. They would take a three-goal lead into the dressing room.

Central Plains continued their strong play in the second period and Funk netted his third of the game on the powerplay less than ten minutes in. The goal gave Funk the hat trick with an even-strength, power play and short-handed goal. The Caps would use the momentum to take a four-goal lead heading into the third.

The third was when the Rangers would come alive, however. After the Caps lead was cut to two on goals barely two minutes apart, Mitchell Wilson managed to put the puck past Groutte, restoring the three-goal lead. They would need it though. The Rangers stormed back and notched two more including one in the final minute of play. The Caps would stand strong in the end and goaltender Riley Sveistrip would close the door on a comeback. The final score on the night was 5-4 in favour of the Capitals.

Reilly Funk was the top producer for the Capitals with four points (3G, 1A) on the night. Carter Cockburn (2G, 2A) and Jaeger Lapointe (2G,2A) each notched four points for the Rangers in a losing effort.

The Capitals will play one more time before the Christmas break.  They head to Beausejour Saturday night to take on the Eastman Selects.  Puck drop is 8:00pm.

For the full box score click here.