In a hard-fought Junior Prospects Hockey League matchup, the Lethbridge United 18U AAA squad secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the visiting Victoria HA. The game began with a flurry of action as Lethbridge’s Devin Groenenboom opened the scoring just 1:40 into the first period, finishing off a setup from Tevin Klassen and Cash Walker. Victoria responded midway through the period when Wyatt Martel buried an equalizer, assisted by Anderson Lewis, knotting the game at 1-1. Despite Lethbridge outshooting Victoria 11-8 in the opening frame, the teams headed to the intermission deadlocked.
The second period proved decisive as Lethbridge’s Delphin De Boer netted the game-winner at the 9:04 mark, with Cohen Zasadny picking up the helper. The middle frame was marred by penalties, with four minors called between the teams. Lethbridge’s Dalton Friesen and Toews Heggedal each took penalties, while Victoria’s Nate Montgomery was called for roughing. The physical play continued as Lethbridge’s Mason Noble was whistled for charging late in the period, but Victoria couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities despite outshooting the United 11-6 in the period.
Goaltending was the story in the third period as Lethbridge’s Lucas Pasemko stood tall, turning aside all 9 shots he faced in the final frame to preserve the lead. Victoria pressed hard, outshooting Lethbridge 9-10 in the period, but Pasemko’s perfect performance down the stretch secured the win. Victoria’s Ethan Lorentz was stellar in a losing effort, making 57 saves on 59 shots, but his team’s offense couldn’t solve Pasemko when it mattered most. The victory showcased Lethbridge’s ability to capitalize on key chances and their goaltender’s clutch performance in a tightly contested battle between two determined 18U AAA squads.
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