The Jr. Ooks and Jr. Rustlers delivered a back-and-forth offensive showcase, with the home team ultimately securing a dramatic 4-3 victory. The first period was a tense, physical affair with both teams trading penalties but unable to find the back of the net. The game truly ignited in the second period, where all four goals were scored in a frantic twelve-minute span. The Ooks struck first, with Maya Virani (#86) converting a setup from Juliette Smitke (#55) and Abby Millar (#8). Trinity Ochremchuk (#18) quickly followed to double the lead, assisted by Lauren McDiarmid (#10) and Madden Critchley (#88). The Rustlers, however, refused to fold. Ava Rawlake (#81) got them on the board, and Addison Boulianne (#8) tied the game at 2-2 before the period ended, setting the stage for a wild third.
The final frame was a whirlwind of action. The Rustlers seized their first lead of the night early on, with Hayze Bensmiller (#16) finding the net to make it 3-2. The Ooks' response was immediate and emphatic. Just six seconds later, Olivia Billsten (#91) buried a pass from Ella Charest (#90) to tie the game once more. The decisive moment came with just over three minutes remaining, as Clara Harms (#19) netted the game-winner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The Rustlers pressed for an equalizer, but the Ooks' defense, anchored by a strong performance from goalie Emily Baluk (#33) who faced 29 shots, held firm through a late penalty kill to secure the win.
