U17 Canadians Split Series vs. Chiefs Thanks to Thrilling OT Comeback

The U17 AAA Greater Vancouver Canadians finally won their first game of the season on Sunday, defeating the U17 Vancouver NE Chiefs 5-4 in overtime at the Richmond Oval.

The Canadians split the weekend home-and-home series after losing 3-1 at the Scotia Barn on Saturday. 

The Canadians are 1-5-2 on the season.

In Saturday’s game, Connor Ma’s power-play goal was GVC’s only goal of the contest as the team suffered its fifth loss of the year. Despite the defeat, the Canadians played a strong defensive game, limiting the Chiefs to only three shots in the second period and just 21 overall. 

Sunday’s contest had a vastly different result, as the Canadians dictated play in the first period, outshooting the Chiefs 16-1 and taking the lead on William Trolland’s first goal of the season. Peyton Fernandez also scored his first goal of the year in the second, but the Chiefs notched three goals, including two on the power play, to take a 3-2 lead. Sean Wickenden tied things up at 3-3 with 8:30 left in regulation, but the Chiefs went ahead 4-3 with only 4:38 remaining on their third power-play goal. WIth 2:32 left, though, Adam Allvin tied the game with his second goal of the season, forcing overtime. In the extra period, Trolland got his second of the game, the game-winner just 55 seconds in, as the Canadians recorded their first win of the year. D’Angelo Brual made 22 saves in the victory. 

Through eight games, Ma leads the team with seven points, and he is tied with Luke Wilson for the club lead with five assists. Trevor Chin, who was held without a point on the weekend, continues to lead the way with five goals. 

Next up, the Canadians will take on the Valley West Giants and Fraser Valley Thunderbirds as part of the U17 division’s showcase weekend from Oct. 11 to Oct. 13. All nine teams will be at the Richmond Oval, with the Canadians-Giants matchup happening on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and the GVC-Fraser Valley tilt scheduled for Sunday at 4:15 p.m. All nine games of the showcase can be seen on playfullscreen.com.