In a game that featured plenty of offense and special teams drama, the Stars Hockey Academy held off a persistent Spartan Hockey Academy squad to claim a 5-4 victory. The game got off to a fiery start, with penalties setting the stage for an early power play goal. Just 12 minutes into the first period, Rhett Wasylyshen of the Spartans capitalized on the man advantage, assisted by Colton Dobek. The Stars responded quickly, with Tred Gano netting an even-strength goal to level the score. However, the Spartans' Nixon Haggins struck late in the period, giving his team a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
The second period belonged to the Stars, who exploded for three unanswered goals to seize control of the game. Walker Westgate started the rally just 39 seconds into the period, assisted by Conor Brand and Bekham Mellon. Less than a minute later, Matix Miller found the back of the net, with helpers from Haci Karaibrahimovic and Griffin O'Reilly. Karaibrahimovic then turned from playmaker to scorer, putting the Stars up 4-2 with another assist from the busy O'Reilly. The period was marred by physical play, with penalties to Drew Bateman and Dexter Dutton of the Spartans disrupting their rhythm.
The third period saw the Spartans mount a fierce comeback attempt, fueled by their power play units. Nixon Haggins netted his second goal of the game on the man advantage, assisted again by Wasylyshen, cutting the deficit to one. Later in the period, Colton Dobek scored another power play goal, with helpers from Hayden Piche and Mason Piteau, tying the game at 4-4 and setting up a dramatic finish. However, the Stars had the final say when Dane Swyripa scored the game-winning goal at even strength with just under six minutes remaining, assisted by Page Head. Despite a late penalty to Maxton Modzelewski in overtime, the Stars held on for a hard-fought 5-4 win in a contest that showcased both teams' offensive firepower and resilience.
