In a fiercely contested local rivalry, the 14U AAA Victoria HA edged out the 14U AAA Island HC 4-3 in a dramatic overtime finish. The game was a physical battle from the start, with the first period seeing a flurry of penalties but no goals, as both teams settled into a defensive rhythm. The deadlock was finally broken late in the second period when Victoria's Xadrian John, assisted by Austin Joyce, found the back of the net to give the home side a 1-0 lead. However, Island HC responded with just 28 seconds left in the frame, as Austin Coutu scored to knot the game at 1-1 heading into the final period, setting the stage for a wild third.
The third period was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Island HC's Reef Cegnar capitalized on a power play just 20 seconds into the period to give his team their first lead. Victoria HA showed resilience, battling back with two quick goals. First, Sebastian Byram tied the game, assisted by Jhett Gervais. Just over five minutes later, Austin Joyce gave Victoria the lead again, with Gervais picking up his second helper of the night. The drama wasn't over, as Island HC's Reef Cegnar struck again just 13 seconds later, tying the game at 3-3 and forcing overtime. The physical play continued throughout, highlighted by a major scrum in the second period that resulted in multiple penalties, including an illegal check to the head for Victoria's Sebastian Byram and matching minors for Island HC's Eshaan Sharma and Reef Cegnar.
Overtime was a tense, back-and-forth affair with both teams registering a single shot. Ultimately, it was Austin Joyce who emerged as the hero for Victoria HA. With just over three minutes gone in the extra frame, Joyce completed a spectacular night, burying the game-winning goal off assists from Dominic Quast and Sebastian Byram. The victory was a testament to Victoria's perseverance, overcoming a late deficit and a penalty-filled game. While Island HC's Reef Cegnar had a standout two-goal performance and Maverik Gornall contributed two assists, it was Joyce's clutch scoring and the steady play of goalie Hunter Villecourt, who stopped 19 of 22 shots for the win, that secured the two points for Victoria HA in this unforgettable Junior Prospects Hockey League clash.
14U AAA - HC Edmonton
14U AAA - Surrey Eagles HA
15U AAA - Bow Valley HC
15U AAA - Langley HA
