Needing just a tie to seal the series win against the Espanola Knights of Columbus Midgets, the Rayside-Balfour Tigers gave themselves a little breathing room - and it sure came in handy.

Trailing 1-0 after the first period, the Tigers netted four unanswered goals, including three in the middle stanza, before holding on late to defeat Espanola 4-3, taking the six point series 7-3.

The Tigers will now move on to face the Sudbury Anmar Minor Midget Wolves in the Nickel District Hockey League Midget cahmpionship final.

After Jordan Trudeau opened the scoring for the visitors, Rayside stormed back, getting second period goals from Alex Leduc, Ben Vincent and Jordan Deppisch in grabbing a 3-1 lead.

Erik Rivait increased the advantage to three goals, quickly slipping a puck from behind the net on the wraparound, seemingly sealing the win for the Tigers.

But the never-say-die Espanola crew countered, first on a persistant effort from winger Zach Corrigan, who drove hard down the left wing and stuffed the puck just past goaltender Cody Hall.

With 3:26 remaining, Espanola drew to within a single goal as Darren Nicholson scored just seconds into a power play, ripping a wrist shot top shelf to make things a little more interesting.

But Rayside-Balfour would settle down and hold the fort, knowing full well that a tie would suffice in advancing to the championship final.