Kootenay HA came out flying on home ice, striking just one minute into the game as Larson Proctor buried an early goal, assisted by Aiden Stefano and Andrew Misson. The home team carried that momentum, outshooting Island HC 7-11 in the opening frame, but couldn't extend their lead. The period was marred by penalties to Island's Jackson Cripps and Simon Pallan, but Kootenay failed to capitalize on the power play opportunities. The game's complexion changed entirely in a wild second period that saw six combined goals. Kootenay's Blaine Nelson and Adam Shypitka scored to give the home team a 3-1 lead, but Island HC responded with an offensive explosion. In a stunning seven-minute span, Nolan Ganter, Louis Prystupa, and Carter Stamp-Vincent all found the back of the net, turning a two-goal deficit into a 4-3 lead heading into the final period.
The third period was all Island HC as they tightened their defensive structure and poured on the offensive pressure, outshooting Kootenay 16-10. With the game on the line, Kootenay pulled goalie Kingston Cuell for an extra attacker, but the gamble backfired. Island's Brendon Daniels and Dawson Carey each scored into the empty net in the final 77 seconds to seal a decisive 6-3 victory. The game featured a notable goaltending tandem for the visitors, with Leonidas Barkoulas earning the win despite allowing three goals on 14 shots, while Aneel Parmar was perfect in relief, stopping all 17 shots he faced over the final 33 minutes to shut the door.
Standout performances for the victorious Island HC included Louis Prystupa, who had a goal and an assist, and Nolan Ganter, who also tallied a goal and a helper. For Kootenay, the early promise faded as their offense stalled after the second period barrage, despite a strong game from Larson Proctor and a multi-point effort from Adam Shypitka. The loss drops Kootenay's record as they'll look to regroup after letting a third-period lead slip away in this back-and-forth contest.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
