In a game defined by special teams and a relentless offensive push, the Okanagan HC held off a fierce third-period rally from Coquitlam HC to secure a 5-3 victory. The game got off to a frantic, penalty-filled start, with both teams spending significant time in the box. Okanagan capitalized early on the power play, as Hendrix Whittle buried a goal assisted by Marco Pomponio and Caleb Lankoff to open the scoring. The physical tone was set with a major boarding penalty against Coquitlam’s Colby Monette, but Okanagan’s Tyson Adams stood tall in net, weathering a storm of shots to keep his team ahead. Boston Ciccone extended Okanagan’s lead in the second period, but Coquitlam’s Jacob Keller answered back to keep the game within reach heading into the final frame.
The third period turned into a goal-scoring frenzy. Samuel Stancati gave Okanagan what seemed like a comfortable two-goal cushion, but Coquitlam’s Christiano D’Addabbo had other plans. He scored two quick goals just 40 seconds apart, both set up by Matteo Kokkas and Colby Monette, to tie the game and put the outcome in doubt. However, Okanagan showed their resilience. Samuel Stancati struck again with just over a minute remaining, netting the game-winner with help from Dylan Bruce and Jayden Campbell. Caleb Lankoff sealed the deal with an empty-netter in the final minute, assisted by Boston Ciccone, to put the game out of reach.
Despite being outshot 43-47, Okanagan’s ability to convert on key opportunities and withstand Coquitlam’s third-period surge proved decisive. Goaltender Tyson Adams, facing a barrage of shots especially in the second and third periods, earned the win with a solid performance between the pipes. For Coquitlam, Rhys Penninga made 40 saves in a valiant effort, but his team’s late push fell just short in a hard-fought contest that showcased the intensity of Junior Prospects Hockey League action.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
