U17 Canadians Drop Pair of Close Games vs. Cougars

The U17 AAA Greater Vancouver Canadians dropped both games of their weekend series to the visiting Cariboo Cougars (Sept. 27-28), falling just short both times in losing 2-1 and 5-4. 

Saturday’s game, originally scheduled for the Richmond Olympic Oval, was moved to the Canlan Ice Sports North Shore due to rink scheduling conflicts. Maxwell Clemens scored his team-high fourth goal of the season and Wilfred Hogan was outstanding between the pipes for GVC, but their efforts were not nearly enough in the 2-1 loss. Brian Woolfenden picked up an assist for the Canadians.

On Sunday at the Oval, the Canadians rallied to tie the Cougars 4-4 in the third period after falling behind 4-0, but Cariboo’s late power-play goal with 5:46 left proved to be the game-winner. Keenan Mak scored twice in the second period, while Brian Woolfenden and Noah Law also scored for GVC. Despite the loss, Kaz Patrick-Russell made numerous big saves throughout the contest to keep the Canadians close, including 16 in the first period as GVC was outshot 17-2 in the opening 20 minutes. 

Through six games, the Canadians are 1-5-0, with Maxwell Clemens leading the club with four goals. Brian Woolfenden has a team-high six assists and nine points. Among defensemen, Boden Spratley’s three assists and four points are tops on the club. 

The U17 Canadians’ next league action will come Oct. 11-12 in a showcase weekend at the Richmond Oval with all nine teams in action. GVC will take on the Vancouver North East Chiefs on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. and the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 4:15 p.m. Live coverage of both games will be available on playfullscreen.com.