The Portage Islanders fell 2-1 to the Carman Beavers in their South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League best-of-7 Semi Final last night. The Beavers hold a 3-2 series lead as it heads back to Portage for game 6 Thursday night.

Islanders' forward Jeremy Brooks scored a shorthanded goal in the loss. He says they played a lot better defensively, but Carman's special teams were the difference.

"We just kind of kept it simple. We got back to the game we were playing, and we were able to shut down their top guys. They had 2 powerplay goals, and other than that they couldn't really generate any offense. Keeping it simple and playing in that little rink really helped out."

Brooks says they'll need an even better effort to win Game 6.

"Well we definitely don't want to lose at home, so we just need to keep it simple again -- and keep our work ethic up there -- and we just have to come out and be willing to compete."

Game 6 at 7:30 Thursday night at the PCU Centre.