In a thrilling Junior Prospects Hockey League matchup, the 15U AAA Victoria HA outlasted the 15U AAA Okanagan HC by a final score of 5-3. The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening faceoff, with Okanagan striking first. Just over eight minutes into the first period, Brady L'Henaff found the back of the net, assisted by Oliver LaRoy and Cameron Reynolds. The home team doubled their lead a mere 25 seconds later when LaRoy converted a setup from Reynolds and Tyler Reszitnyk. However, Victoria responded before the period ended, as Dylan Tang scored with help from Nixon Hull and Ewen Roll, setting the stage for a dramatic contest.
The second period saw Victoria completely shift the momentum. They tied the game with just 12 seconds remaining in the frame on an even-strength marker from Samual Ford, assisted by William King. The visitors then took their first lead of the game early in the third period when Greyson Finlay-Johnson scored unassisted. The game's turning point came midway through the final period, as Kingston Doyle netted the game-winning goal on a play set up by Sebastian Byram and Carter Campbell. Okanagan managed to claw one back when Cameron Reynolds scored to make it 4-3, with L'Henaff and LaRoy returning the favor from the first period, but any hope of a comeback was dashed when Victoria's Greyson Finlay-Johnson scored his second of the night on the power play to seal the victory.
Special teams and goaltending proved decisive in the outcome. Okanagan's Sanjay Basdeo faced a barrage of 40 shots, making 35 saves in a valiant effort, but it wasn't enough against a relentless Victoria attack. Victoria's Ryder Sherris earned the win in net. The penalty sheet was active, with Okanagan's Taylor Linde taking two minors and Drew Roberts being called for an illegal check to the head. Victoria also took their share of penalties, including a bench minor for too many players, but it was their power play that delivered the final blow, securing a hard-fought road victory.
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