The Lloydminster Athletics escaped with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over the Calgary Rockies in a Junior Prospects Hockey League clash that was as much about grit as it was about goals. The game started with a bang as Calgary's Maddox Gullage, on the power play, opened the scoring just over three minutes in, assisted by Nathan Graham and Ashton Tangedal. However, Lloydminster's Dalton Friesen responded minutes later to knot the game at 1-1 after a setup from Rhys Clayton. The physical tone was set early, with Lloydminster's Rhys Horon taking a boarding minor and Calgary's Nolan Van Waes assessed a major for boarding late in the period, foreshadowing a chippy contest ahead.
The second period saw the special teams battle continue. Lloydminster's Bryden Larsen capitalized on a man-advantage to give the Athletics their first lead, with assists from Blair Erickson and Rylan Marr. The Rockies answered back at even strength, as Ashton Tangedal found the net, helped by Nolan Van Waes and Lincoln Mofford. The period then descended into chaos near the midway mark, with a massive scrum resulting in a slew of penalties. Both teams saw players sent off for roughing, with Calgary's Lincoln Mofford and Lloydminster's Kaden Penner also picking up ten-minute misconducts, while the Athletics' Blair Erickson and Dalton Friesen took minors as well. The third period saw Lloydminster regain the lead on another power play, this time with Blair Erickson scoring, assisted by Bryden Larsen. With their goalie pulled and the clock ticking down, the Rockies pulled off a miracle, as Nolan Van Waes scored with just one second remaining in regulation, assisted by Seth Scutt, to force overtime and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
The extra frame belonged to the visitors. Just under two minutes into overtime, Lloydminster's Blair Erickson became the hero, netting the game-winner to complete a two-goal, one-assist night and seal the victory for the Athletics. The goaltending story was one of resilience, as Lloydminster's Zachary Gorkoff weathered a storm, particularly in the third period where he faced 15 shots, to backstop the win. For Calgary, the late comeback fell just short despite a relentless 31-shot attack. The game was a penalty-filled affair that showcased the intensity of the rivalry, with Calgary's Nolan Van Waes and Lincoln Mofford, and Lloydminster's Kaden Penner, all finding themselves in the officials' books multiple times in a hard-fought battle.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
