The Jr. Ooks skated to a decisive 7-4 victory over the Jr. Rustlers in a game defined by offensive surges and special teams play. The Ooks set the tone early, with Lauren McDiarmid opening the scoring just over six minutes into the first period. The Rustlers responded with a quick pair from Addison Boulianne and Hayze Bensmiller to take a brief lead, but the Ooks' power play struck back before the period ended. Aubrey Waddell capitalized on a late Rustlers penalty, tying the game at 2-2 and setting the stage for a second-period onslaught. The Ooks seized control in the middle frame, scoring three unanswered goals. Olivia Billsten and Maya Virani found the net, with Trinity Ochremchuk adding another to build a commanding 5-2 lead, showcasing the Ooks' relentless attack.
Despite the deficit, the Rustlers showed fight in the third period. Hayze Bensmiller netted her second of the game on the power play, cutting the lead to 5-3. However, the Ooks' offensive depth proved too much. Elliya Klaus was a standout, scoring twice in the final period to complete a multi-point night, including a key goal assisted by Norah Ludlow to restore a three-goal cushion. Lauren McDiarmid sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute. The game grew increasingly physical as it progressed, with the Ooks' Madden Critchley receiving a major penalty for charging, but the Rustlers couldn't mount a full comeback against the Ooks' consistent pressure.
While goalie-specific stats were not tracked, the shot totals tell a story of sustained offensive pressure. The Jr. Ooks outshot the Rustlers 30 to 23, with their 21 shots through the first two periods generating their five-goal lead. For the Rustlers, the efforts of Hayze Bensmiller with two goals and assists from players like Ava Rawlake and Tana Brander provided sparks, but they couldn't match the Ooks' balanced scoring. With contributions up and down their lineup, including multi-point games from Elliya Klaus, Olivia Billsten, and Trinity Ochremchuk, the Jr. Ooks earned a well-rounded road victory.
