The Victoria Hockey Academy and Angels Pro Hockey delivered a back-and-forth offensive showcase, with the home side emerging with a narrow 4-3 victory in a game defined by special teams and a late winner. The action started early, with Angels Pro Hockey's Addison Dupuis opening the scoring at even strength midway through the first period, assisted by Bella Bartel and Brynlee Anderson. The Academy responded quickly on the power play, with Isla Toronyi finding the net off helpers from Parker Strand and Jane Mann to tie the game. The first period ended with Victoria taking a lead, as Delaney Wade scored with just over a minute remaining, assisted again by the playmaking Parker Strand.
The second period saw the lead change hands once more. Victoria's Mickaila Kawula scored to make it 3-1, with assists from AP Alanna Bowles and Reese Simons. The Angels, however, mounted a fierce comeback. Brynlee Anderson scored to cut the deficit, assisted by Addison Dupuis and Bella Bartel, and then, on the power play, Isabella Goertzen tied the game at 3-3 with assists from Anderson and Kadence Mortson. The period was a penalty-filled affair, setting the stage for a tense final frame.
The third period was a defensive grind until the decisive moment. At the 8:02 mark, Addison Rutten broke the deadlock with an even-strength goal, assisted by Delaney Wade and Adelyn Vogler, which stood as the game-winner. The Academy's defense and goaltender Madelyn Holland, who faced 16 shots, locked things down from there, despite taking a couple of late penalties. Angels Pro Hockey goaltender Charlee Munro was busy all night, facing a barrage of 31 shots from a relentless Victoria attack. In the end, the Academy's ability to capitalize on key opportunities, including a crucial power-play goal and the late even-strength winner, secured them a hard-fought two points in a highly competitive contest.
