The 18U AAA clash between Coquitlam HC and Langley HA was a story of special teams and goaltending, with the home side emerging with a 4-2 victory despite being heavily outshot. Langley came out flying in the first period, testing Coquitlam's Malcolm Katuski early and often. Their pressure paid off just 13 seconds into the game, as Logan Boudot, assisted by Mathew Gordon and Riley Sytsma, found the back of the net to give the visitors a quick 1-0 lead. Coquitlam weathered the storm and found an equalizer later in the period when defenseman Nathan Hillmann scored an even-strength marker to knot the game at 1-1 heading into the intermission, despite Langley holding a 10-5 shot advantage.
The game's physical intensity boiled over in the second period, with Coquitlam's Matteo Kokkas receiving a major penalty for an illegal check to the head, resulting in a lengthy 5-on-3 power play for Langley. However, the Coquitlam penalty kill, anchored by the stellar play of goalie Malcolm Katuski, stood tall. In a stunning turn, Coquitlam seized momentum on a power play of their own, as Christiano D'Addabbo converted a setup from Colby Monette to give the home team a 2-1 lead. Katuski was the story of the middle frame, turning aside all 10 Langley shots to preserve the slim advantage.
Coquitlam extended their lead in the third period with a crucial even-strength goal. Logan Martin potted the eventual game-winner, with helpers from Mateo Nicolato and Markus Halliwell, making it 3-1. The power play struck again for Coquitlam shortly after, as Markus Halliwell scored, assisted by D'Addabbo and Kokkas, to build a commanding 4-1 lead. Langley's persistent pressure finally broke through on their seventh power play of the night, with Sevak Gill scoring late to make it 4-2, but it was too little, too late. The story of the game was written by Malcolm Katuski, who earned a 34-save victory, and Langley's Colton Bush, who faced a relentless 38 shots in a valiant losing effort. Coquitlam's efficiency on special teams and their goalie's brilliance proved the difference in a hard-fought contest.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
