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Goalie James Billy kept the Firth Rangers in the game until their offensive guns finally woke up in the second period.

Brent Stokes and Glen Heinbigner would score to lead the Rangers to a 2-1 win over EDI in the oldtimers hockey championship final last night at the Canada Games Centre.

The Rangers beat EDI 5-1 Wednesday in the first game of the mini-series to force the do-or-die matchup.

Brian McWatters gave EDI鈥坅n early lead in the first period, but it was the only puck his club would get past Billy 鈥� filling in for the Rangers' regular goalie Scott Casselman, who left town on holiday.

"James Billy was the main reason why we won last night,鈥濃�團irth defenceman Tom Ullyett told the Star. "It certainly wasn't because of our goal scorers or us defencemen. He held us in there. We were lucky to win.

"It could have easily gone the other way, but really it was the goaltending that held us in. We were really hanging on for most of the game.鈥�

Last year, Billy led the Yukon Inn to the oldtimers championship.

Ullyett said EDI鈥坅ltered their strategy in game two, which saw them employ a heavy forecheck.

Heinbigner's winner came with 2:01 left in the game.

Charles Brodhagen drew assists on both goals, while Derek Torgenson also helped set up Stokes's marker.

Guy Gorrell was awarded a penalty shot midway through the second period, which was stopped by EDI鈥坓oalie Jason Adams.

Despite Adams's save, the play served as a watershed moment for Firth, who poured it on offensively from that point on.

The Rangers opened their playoffs with a loss to Yukon Inn, before putting together their current streak of wins.

Meanwhile, EDI鈥坔ad enjoyed a magical run prior to their last two games.

"We've been sitting around, waiting for everybody else to catch up to us,鈥� EDI鈥坒orward Ron Daub explained. "We hit the table. We were eating too much. So we were a little bit overweight and lackadaisical.鈥�

By the time EDI had pulled it together, they were facing the hot hand of Billy.

"James Billy stood on his head and saved it for them,鈥� Daub said. "He parachuted in and saved it.

"We agitated them and tried to get some of their goons agitated but they weren't having any of that.鈥�

EDI鈥坅nd Firth finished the regular season tied for third with identical records of 23-14-4.

Ullyett said the championship was a first for many on the Rangers squad.

"I think for most players, it's pretty significant,鈥� he said. "It meant a lot.鈥�

But the championship also served as a "bittersweet鈥� moment, Ullyett added, as it concluded some of the best camaraderie he's experienced in the oldtimer league 鈥� both on and off the ice. He credited captain Matt Sills for drafting the perfect squad.

"On one hand, you've won the league, but on the other, you know you won't be playing with these guys again,鈥� Ullyett said.

"It's like having the best girlfriend in the world, but knowing it's only going to last eight months.鈥�