A hard-fought battle to the very last minute

EDMONTON, AB (November 11th, 2022) – The Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) Thunder hosted the Portage Voyageurs. It was anyone's game tonight with both teams holding the lead at various points. The battle continued on late into the third and within the last minute of play tied 3-3, Thunder put a hard-earned goal in the back of the net, and an empty netter to seal the deal.

Thunder starts off strong with multiple shot attempts. Concordia first in the box, gets called for interference. Portage fails to convert due to a comfortable Thunder penalty kill.  Voyageurs put one on the board and score an unlikely goal as it bounces its way into the net. Thunder does not give up the pressure and keeps the puck in the Voyageur's zone. Pushing hard defensively Portage draws two back-to-back leaving Concordia with the two-man advantage. Thunder failed to capitalize, and the game is back to even strength. Thunder ends the period with a series of good chances, but the puck seems to keep fumbling out of place and a quality shot wasn't established. 1-0 Voyageurs to end the period but a scrum ensues. 2 misconducts were awarded to one player on each team. Thunder to start the 2nd on a power play.

In the second period, we see both teams push hard offensively, but the goalkeeping on each side is stellar. Game intensity significantly increases, and Thunder is on the charge with predominant puck possession. The thunder keeper saves a 2 on 0 and 4 on-1 attempt to keep the game within 1. A double minor high sticking penalty on the Voyageurs while shortly after Thunder get called on a tripping penalty. Hectic 4 on 4 actions with a lot of dump and chase. Portage able to kill off the penalty but Thunder comes back to score two quick goals, while the Voyageurs even things out and score with 1.9 seconds remaining. All tied up 2-2.

Concordia takes an early interference penalty and Portage capitalize. 3-2 to start the third. Concordia responds quickly and scores back to tie it up again, making it 3-3. Both keepers exchange amazing saves to keep both their teams in it. Thunder takes a hooking penalty and avoids a sure goal. The game remains 3-3. Thunder scores a gritty, hard-earned goal to take lead with 1:20 remaining in the third on the power play! They keep the pressure up and keep it in the Voyageur's zone. Thunder score again on an empty netter to make the final score 5-3.

The One Team Sport Players of the game are #9 Brody Dale with a goal and an assist tonight and #12 Isaac Leik with 2 goals in the game. Our next home game will be November 19^th against the Augustana Vikings.