Mark Reners’ second goal of the game at 8:30 of overtime was the difference as the Bandits erased a 4-2 third-period deficit and advanced to play for Canada’s National Junior A Championship for the first time on Sunday night.

Chris Caissy was the overtime hero 16:57 into the extra period and Kevin Bailie was spectacular in a 50-save performance as the host Western Capitals advanced to Sunday’s championship game with a thrilling victory over the Eagles.

Philip Fife scored the game-winner 10:28 into the third period and Adam Guy finished with a goal and an assist as the Bearcats earned their first win and spoiled the Western Capitals’ chances for second place.

Brandon Bruce, Mark Reners and Tyson McCallum scored in the first seven minutes as the Bandits opened up a 5-0 lead, handed the Eagles their first loss and locked up top spot in the preliminary round.

Nicolas Pierog, Trevor Cameron and Kevan Kilistoff had a goal and an assist apiece and Michael Santaguida made 29 saves for his second shutout as the Eagles blanked the Wilderness to remain undefeated.

JP Harvey scored a pair of goals and Danny Chiasson netted the game-winner late in the first period as the Western Capitals clinched Saturday semifinal berth by handing the Bandits their first loss of the week.

Benjamin Michaud’s goal on a five-on-three power play with 10:23 remaining was the difference as the Wilderness earned its first victory, the first win ever by an American team at the national championship.

Brett Mulcahy scored the game-winning goal 8:43 into overtime to complete the Eagles’ comeback from a two-goal, third-period deficit and lead Surrey to an extra-time victory over the host Western Capitals.

Anthony Petruzzelli had a pair of goals, including the game-winner with eight minutes to go, as the Bandits scored four times in the third period – twice in eight seconds – to beat the Wilderness and remain unbeaten.

Demico Hannoun scored a hat trick and added an assist, and Michael Stenerson had a goal and four helpers as the Eagles made their RBC Cup debut a success, handing the Bearcats their second straight lopsided loss.

Danny Chiasson scored a pair of goals and JP Harvey got the game-winner in the final minute of the first period as the Western Capitals scored five unanswered to beat the Wilderness in front of 2,576 hometown fans.

Cam Maclise led the way with a hat trick, all three in a five-goal second period, and added an assist and Anthony Paskaruk had a goal and two helpers to help the Bandits rout the Bearcats in the tournament opener.