RECAP: Stefan’s hat-trick leads Hawks past Royals in Game 3
Three goals from James Stefan and a steady 30-save showing from Jan Špunar led the Hawks to a 6-5 win and a 3-0 series lead over Victoria.
Round 1, Game 3: Portland (6) at Victoria (5)
SOG: POR (32) – VIC (35)
PP: POR (1/3) – VIC (1/3)
Saves: Špunar (30/35) – Holt (26/32)
COMPLETE BOX SCORE
SCORING:
- VIC – First Period – 6:03 – Teydon Trembecky (1)
- POR – First Period – 15:36 – James Stefan (3) from Josh Davies and Luca Cagnoni
- POR – First Period – 16:49 – James Stefan (4) from Josh Davies and Luca Cagnoni
- VIC – Second Period – 1:36 – Justin Kipkie (1) from Tyson Laventure
- VIC – Second Period – 3:22 – Tanner Scott (2) from Nate Misskey and Justin Kipkie
- POR – Second Period – 16:49 – Josh Mori (1) from Marcus Nguyen and Jack O’Brien
- POR – Second Period – 18:05 – James Stefan (5)
- VIC – Third Period – 0:28 – Casper Evensen Haugen (1) from Reggie Newman and Tanner Scott
- POR – Third Period – 9:54 – Josh Davies (2) from James Stefan and Gabe Klassen
- POR – Third Period – 12:57 – Gabe Klassen (2) from Luca Cagnoni and Marek Alscher
- VIC – Third Period – 19:14 – Tyson Laventure (2) from Dawson Pasternak and Nate Misskey
The Story:
James Stefan tallied four points (3G,1A) while Josh Davies (1G,2A) and Luca Cagnoni (3A) posted three apiece to help the Winterhawks knock off the Royals 6-5 on Tuesday in Victoria. The win puts Portland on the brink of advancing to the second round of the 2024 WHL Playoffs.
A seesaw affair kicked off 6:03 into the contest when Teydon Trembecky broke the ice for the Royals. Pushing for the equalizer, Stefan netted his first two goals of the night in a span of just 1:13, giving Portland the 2-1 lead heading into the break. Davies and Cagnoni each picked up assists on Stefan’s goals.
Victoria took control early in the second through Justin Kipkie and Tanner Scott, but again Portland responded late in the period. Josh Mori netted the equalizer at 16:49, followed by Stefan’s hat-trick tally at 18:05 for another one-goal Portland lead at the break.
Like clockwork, the start of the third also belonged to the Royals through Casper Evensen Haugen’s tying tally, but the Hawks began their push earlier this time and found twine twice in the middle of the frame. Davies ripped home one-timer on the power play for the team’s third go-ahead goal of the night at 9:54, then a remarkable aerial pass from Cagnoni at his own goal line found Gabe Klassen in stride at the far blue line, and the captain made no mistake.
Tyson Laventure grabbed a late goal for Victoria to get his team back within a goal, but the Hawks held strong for the win. Jan Špunar posted 30 saves on 35 shots in the win, outdueling Braden Holt’s 26-save effort for Victoria.
The two teams meet again tomorrow night in an elimination Game 4 at 7:05 P.M. in Victoria.
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