In a hard-fought Junior Prospects Hockey League matchup, the 18U AAA Victoria HA used a relentless offensive attack and a late power-play goal to secure a 3-2 victory over the 18U AAA Surrey Eagles HA. The game was defined by physical play and special teams, with Victoria's power play proving decisive. The visitors set the tone early, outshooting Surrey 15-8 in the first period. Victoria's captain, Wyatt Martel, opened the scoring late in the period, but Surrey's Sam Hsiao answered back just over a minute later to even the score. The Eagles' momentum was short-lived, however, as a penalty gave Victoria a power play, which Yihwan Joo converted to restore the visitors' lead before the first intermission.
The middle frame was a parade to the penalty box, with both teams taking multiple infractions. A major crosschecking penalty to Surrey's Luke Myshkowsky put the Eagles in a significant hole, but their penalty kill, backed by the stellar play of goaltender Daniel Russell, managed to hold the fort. Russell was the busiest player on the ice, facing a barrage of 40 shots through the game, and his efforts kept Surrey within striking distance. The physical, penalty-filled second period saw no scoring, setting up a dramatic third.
Surrey fought back valiantly in the final period. With Victoria's William Brain in the box for roughing, the Eagles capitalized on the power play. Mikkel Dennill found the back of the net, with assists from Griffin Carmont and Sam Hsiao, tying the game and setting up a frantic finish. The game seemed destined for overtime until Surrey's Matthew Bridal took a cross-checking penalty with no time left on the clock. In a bizarre twist, the penalty was served at the start of a sudden-death fourth period, and Victoria's power play unit delivered. Evan Kim, who had an assist earlier, buried the game-winning goal, sealing a hard-earned road victory for Victoria. While Surrey's Daniel Russell was brilliant in a losing effort, Victoria's Mathias Ramos-Gadbois was solid in the crease, turning aside 21 of 23 shots to earn the win in a contest ultimately decided by discipline and special teams execution.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
