The Saints Pro Hockey Academy held off a furious third-period rally by the Queen City Young Guns to secure a hard-fought 4-3 victory in a game that saw momentum swing wildly between the two sides. The second period proved to be the turning point, with the Saints striking first on the power play as Luke Hargrave (#9) buried a goal at the 17:00 mark, assisted by Landon Schultz (#14) and Mahlon Swaok (#55). Just over four minutes later, Nixon Stafford (#37) extended the lead with an even-strength tally, again with help from Swaok. But the Young Guns responded with authority, as Max Birnie (#95) scored twice in quick succession—first assisted by Jack McGillivray (#96) and Nixon Dueck (#17), then again from McGillivray—to knot the game at 2-2 heading into the final frame.
The third period was a penalty-filled affair that tested both teams’ discipline and special teams. With Benton Creech (#53) in the box for tripping, the Saints delivered a crucial shorthanded goal when Stafford struck again, this time set up by Schultz, to reclaim the lead. But the Young Guns refused to go quietly, and McGillivray answered with an even-strength goal to tie the game once more. The Saints’ defense tightened as the period wore on, weathering a barrage of 11 shots from Queen City in the final frame. Despite a late flurry of roughing penalties to Hargrave and Valentine Reich (#19) in the closing seconds, the Saints held firm to preserve the narrow victory.
In a game defined by special teams and resilience, Nixon Stafford’s two-goal performance—including the game-winning shorthanded marker—proved the difference for the Saints. Mahlon Swaok and Landon Schultz each contributed two assists, while Jack McGillivray’s goal and two helpers kept the Young Guns in the fight until the final horn. Though the Young Guns outshot the Saints 16-12 overall and dominated the third period, the Saints made their chances count when it mattered most, earning a gritty win in a contest that showcased both skill and tenacity.
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