The Warriors Hockey Academy and South Sask Academy delivered a thrilling, back-and-forth contest that saw the visitors escape with a narrow 5-4 victory. South Sask struck first, capitalizing on an early power play just seven seconds after a high-sticking penalty to James Grant. Tucker Elphinstone buried the chance, assisted by Liam Adrian. Jack Butler then doubled the lead for the visitors with an even-strength marker, assisted by Calder Crossman. The Warriors answered back before the period ended, as Owen Blume found the net with help from the Reschny brothers, Noah and Nash, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The second period was an offensive explosion for the Warriors, who poured on 13 shots. South Sask’s Liam Faris extended their lead early, but the Warriors responded with a power play goal from Noah Reschny, set up by River Andrews and Benjamin Miller. Just over two minutes later, Arrien Blume tied the game at 3-3, with Andrews picking up his second helper of the period. The Warriors then took their first lead of the game in the third period when Kaleb Bodnar scored, with River Andrews earning his third assist, completing a remarkable playmaking performance.
Despite being outshot 17-8 in the final frame, South Sask Academy found a way to win. With just 1:35 remaining on the clock and on a late power play, Jack Butler struck again for his second goal of the game, once more assisted by Liam Adrian, to tie the score at 4-4 and ultimately force the game into a shootout. In the shootout, South Sask Academy prevailed, securing the 5-4 final. While no official save totals were tracked, the Warriors' Owen Wallace and South Sask's Maci Duzan were the goalies of record in a game defined by special teams and a dramatic, late-game rally.
