The Calgary Rockies edged out the Titans Hockey Union 3-2 in a hard-fought Junior Prospects Hockey League matchup that was defined by special teams and physical play. The game's tone was set early when the Titans' Wesley Lizotte was assessed a major penalty for an Illegal Check to the Head just four and a half minutes into the first period. The Rockies wasted no time capitalizing on the extended power play, as Maddox Gullage buried a goal just 30 seconds into the man-advantage, with assists from Lincoln Mofford and Nolan Van Waes. Despite the early setback, the Titans' goalie Ethan Cornelius settled in, facing a barrage of 35 shots on the night.
The second period saw the Titans mount a fierce comeback. Luc Rodrigue got his team on the board with an even-strength tally, assisted by Rylan Daley and Sheldon Kucy. Just over a minute and a half later, Colby Callan gave the home crowd reason to erupt, putting the Titans ahead 2-1 with help from Rhys McLean and Rylan Franklin. The period was marred by penalties, however, including another Illegal Check to the Head call, this time against the Titans' McLean. The physical, chippy nature of the game began to boil over as the teams headed into the final frame.
The third period belonged to the Rockies, who tied the game on another power play goal, this time from Jackson Cowan, with Mofford picking up his second assist of the night alongside Oliver Chan. The game-winning goal came with just over three minutes remaining, as Nathan Graham scored the decisive marker, assisted by Gullage and the ever-present Mofford, who finished with three helpers. A massive scrum late in the period resulted in a flurry of roughing and cross-checking minors, underscoring the intense rivalry. In the end, Rockies netminder Rylan Harder was perfect when it counted, turning aside all 40 shots he faced to backstop his team to a narrow victory.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
