In a hard-fought Junior Prospects Hockey League matchup, the 18U AAA Kootenay HA held on for a gritty 2-1 victory over the 18U AAA Okanagan HC. The game was a story of special teams and goaltending, with Kootenay striking first in the second period when Maxwell Parker buried an even-strength marker, assisted by Parker Johnston and Karter Russell. The home team carried that slim lead into the third period, but it was a power play goal early in the final frame that proved decisive. Just 1:43 into the period, Isaiah Willoughby converted with the man advantage, with helpers from Ollie D’Amour and Gavin Seitz, giving Kootenay a crucial two-goal cushion.
Okanagan HC pushed back hard in the third, outshooting Kootenay 15-9, and finally broke through on their own power play. Hendrix Whittle scored with assists from Caleb Lankoff and Linden Rogers to cut the deficit to one with just over six minutes remaining. However, Kootenay’s defense and goaltending held firm down the stretch. Okanagan’s netminder William Marshall was stellar in a losing effort, turning aside 21 of 23 shots, but his counterpart Kingston Cuell was perfect on the night, stopping all 34 shots he faced to earn a hard-fought shutout victory.
The game was a physical affair, with both teams combining for ten minor penalties. Okanagan’s Cale Cross took three separate infractions, while Caleb Lankoff of the visitors and Parker Thom of the home squad each spent four minutes in the box. In the end, discipline and timely scoring made the difference, as Kootenay capitalized on their power play opportunity while killing off all of Okanagan’s chances. The win showcased Kootenay’s resilience and ability to protect a lead under pressure, securing a valuable two points in league play.
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