Saturday Night Clash: Kings Comeback for the Victory

(EDMONTON, AB) In a high-intensity matchup at Clareview Rec Center, the Concordia Thunder clashed with the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings. The game unfolded with relentless back-and-forth action, showcasing their offensive strength in the first period. As the battle intensified, the second period witnessed a defensive standoff, leading to escalating tensions in the third. Ultimately, the Kings secured a hard-fought victory with a late surge.

The first period was marked by a flurry of goals from both sides. Lukas Konashuk (#11) and Ethyn Hopp (#8) struck early for Concordia, countered by Red Deer Polytechnic's Jaxon Steele (#19) on a powerplay and another goal from Steele, assisted by Jarod Newell (#7) and Hayden Clayton (#73). Concordia's Brandon Wallis (#8) capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity concluding the first period with a 3-2 lead for Concordia.

In the second period, defenses took center stage. The Kings were able to even things out after 10 minutes of play, with #12 Nolan Doell finding the back of the net. Concordia took advantage on the powerplay where #16 Hunter Leslie put the Thunder back on top. The tension reached its peak in the third period when Red Deer Polytechnic capitalized on powerplay opportunities. Nolan Doell (#12) and Hayden Clayton (#73) led the Kings' comeback, taking the lead for the first time. Two empty-net goals in the closing minutes secured a 7-4 victory for the Kings.

After this weekend's matchup against the Kings, the Thunder sit at a record of 3-11. Next weekend, they will go up against the NAIT Ooks in a battle of Edmonton, playing at home on January 26^th at 7PM.

Players of the Game:

Red Deer Polytechnic Kings | #19 Jaxon Steele

Concordia University of Edmonton | #27 Tyler Schendel