U17 Canadians Salvage Tie in Opening Home-and-Home vs. Giants

A huge third-period comeback on Sunday helped the U17 AAA Greater Vancouver Canadians salvage a tie, as GVC earned one point in its season-opening home-and-home series against the Valley West Giants. 

The Canadians lost 4-1 on Saturday at the Planet Ice Delta rink, and then managed to earn the 3-3 tie on Sunday at the Richmond Oval. 

Luke Wilson scored the only goal for GVC on Saturday, while Joshua Read stopped 29 shots, including 14 in a scoreless first period. William Trolland and Sean Wickenden picked up assists on Wilson’s goal. 

Sunday’s game was a different story, as the Canadians fell behind 3-1 after two periods, with Wickenden notching GVC’s lone goal and the Giants scoring twice in the final 1:41 of the frame. But Thomas Kanavos scored just 36 seconds into the third and Trevor Chin tied the game midway through the final stanza.

D’Angelo Brual was outstanding in goal for GVC, stopping 28 of 31 shots, including several spectacular saves during regulation when the Giants had numerous scoring short-handed chances, and again in overtime. 

Next up for the U17 Canadians, a home-and-home series against the U17 Vancouver NW Hawks. Saturday’s game is at 6:00 p.m. at the Canlan Ice Sports arena in North Vancouver, while Sunday’s game is at 11:15 a.m. at the Richmond Oval. Both games can be seen on playfullscreen.com.