In a fast-paced Junior Prospects Hockey League matchup, the 17U AAA Kootenay HA skated to a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the 17U AAA Titans Hockey Union. The game was defined by a blistering start from the visitors, who established an early lead and never looked back. Kootenay came out flying in the first period, outshooting the Titans 13-7 and building a 3-1 advantage. Max Parker opened the scoring for Kootenay, but the Titans' Grayson Closson answered back to even the score. However, Kootenay responded with two more before the period ended—one from Colton Loria and another from Dryden Hanson—setting the tone for the rest of the contest.
The second period saw Kootenay extend their lead with a crucial even-strength goal from Kyllar Osberg, assisted by Jonas Rousselle and Jacob Rogers, which would stand as the game-winner. The middle frame was marked by physical play and penalties, with both teams taking multiple minors. Titans netminder Healy Seibt faced a relentless Kootenay attack, turning aside 33 of 37 shots in a valiant effort, while Kootenay’s Mateo Sinclair was sharp at the other end, making 17 saves to keep his team in control despite fewer shots against.
The Titans mounted a third-period push, starting with a shorthanded tally from Declan Benson that cut the deficit to two. Grayson Closson then netted his second of the game on the power play, assisted by Seth Hantelmann, bringing the Titans within one and injecting late drama. Despite the surge, Kootenay held firm, and with the Titans pressing for the equalizer, Preston Oler sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final seconds. The victory was a testament to Kootenay’s offensive depth and resilience, as they withstood a late charge to secure two important points on the road.
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