The Coquitlam HC 18U AAA squad delivered a masterclass in defensive hockey and timely scoring, blanking the Surrey Eagles HA 3-0 in a hard-fought Junior Prospects Hockey League contest. The story of the game was written in the crease, where Coquitlam's goaltender Malcolm Katuski, wearing #31, stood on his head to earn a spectacular 32-save shutout. He was tested heavily, especially in the second and third periods where Surrey fired 23 shots, but he turned every one aside, providing the backbone for his team's victory. At the other end, Surrey's Quinn Pecor was nearly as sharp for much of the game, but his perfect save percentage belied the final score, as Coquitlam ultimately solved him three times late.
The game was a tense, physical affair marked by a significant turning point in the second period. Coquitlam's discipline was tested when Jacob Keller was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for checking from behind at the 2:29 mark, putting his team down a man for five crucial minutes. Despite this, the penalty kill, anchored by Katuski, held firm. The deadlock was finally broken deep into the third period. At the 10:39 mark, Taran Biring (#21) broke the ice with an even-strength goal, assisted by Keenen Canales (#26), which would stand as the game-winner. Just over four minutes later, Jaehun Kim (#24) doubled the lead, finishing a play set up by Cameron Ogilvie (#13) and Brady Desharnais (#4), giving Coquitlam some much-needed breathing room.
With the Eagles pushing desperately to get on the board, Coquitlam sealed the deal with an empty-netter from Keenen Canales at 2:28, assisted by the goal-scorer Biring and Markus Halliwell (#77). While Surrey outshot Coquitlam 32-26 overall, they could not find a way past the impenetrable Katuski. The Eagles' frustration showed through a series of penalties, including a slashing minor to Liam Egan (#14), but their power play was consistently stifled. Coquitlam's victory was a complete team effort, combining stellar goaltending, resilient penalty killing, and clutch third-period scoring to secure a decisive shutout win.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
