The Coquitlam HC 18U AAA squad weathered an early storm and capitalized on a late third-period strike to secure a hard-fought 3-2 win over Island HC. The game began with Island HC dictating the pace, outshooting Coquitlam 19-12 in the opening frame. Their pressure paid off when Hunter Yanick, assisted by Carter Stamp-Vincent, found the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead. Coquitlam, however, showed resilience. Goaltender Malcolm Katuski stood tall despite the shot barrage, and his team found an answer before the period ended. Dominic Allegretto scored an unassisted equalizer at 4:08, sending the teams to the intermission knotted at 1-1.
The middle frame was a penalty-filled affair that saw momentum swing back and forth. Coquitlam's Brady Desharnais gave his team its first lead, finishing a play set up by Allegretto for a 2-1 advantage. The game's physicality intensified, with both sides taking multiple minors. Island HC's power play finally broke through late in the period. With Coquitlam's Taran Biring in the box for roughing, Brendon Daniels converted with helpers from Yanick and Ian Jaksch to tie the game at 2-2 heading into the final twenty minutes.
The third period was a tense, defensive battle. Coquitlam, despite being whistled for a costly too-many-men penalty early, found the game-winner just over four minutes in. Matteo Kokkas became the hero, taking a feed from Colby Monette and beating Island HC netminder Aneel Parmar to make it 3-2. From there, Coquitlam locked things down. Katuski, who faced 39 shots in total, was perfect in the final period, turning aside all 10 attempts from Island HC to preserve the narrow lead. The victory was a testament to Coquitlam's ability to bend but not break, overcoming a significant shot deficit and a string of penalties to claim two crucial points.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
