Jetlan Houcher led the way with a hat trick as the Lloydminster Tanroc Bobcats stayed alive in the Alberta Midget Hockey League final with a 7-2 win over the Red Deer Optimist Rebels.

Houcher's linemates, Chris Romanchuk and Ty Carey, were also in on all three goals as the Bobcats staved off elimination.

Goaltender Tyler Briggs wasn't busy in the 'Cats cage early as the Bobcats outshot the Rebels 14-3 in the opening period but we was spectacular late in the second as the Rebels made a charge and pulled to within 3-1 before the 'Cats responded late in the second.

The series resumes Friday night in Red Deer with the Rebels still holding a 2-1 series lead and a chance to wrap things up. Game 5, if necessary, will go Sunday afternoon at the Civic Centre.