ALBERTA EDGES SASKATCHEWAN TO MOVE TO 2-0

The Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup was back in action Thursday as Team Saskatchewan took on Team Alberta for their second game of the round robin portion.

Victoria Royals prospect Eric Florchuk made a pretty dangle to give his team the 1-0 lead midway through the first period. Shots were tied at eight apiece through one period of play.

In the second period of play, Hockey Alberta struck early as Saskatoon Blades prospect Chase Wouters netted a short-handed goal to give his team a 2-0 advantage. Moments later, Calgary Hitmen prospect Tristen Nielsen buried a rebound to give Alberta a commanding 3-0 lead.

Saskatchewan responded as Tri-City Americans prospect Carson Focht scored his second goal of the tournament on the power play. Focht would then later pocket another goal on a hard wrist shot from the high slot to cut Alberta’s lead to 3-2.

The third period was very tight between both teams as they traded several chances but goaltenders     stood strong and made key saves when they needed to. Alberta hung on to edge Saskatchewan by a score of 3-2 and move to 2-0 in the 2015 Western Canada Challenge Cup.

Jacob Bennett turned aside 18 shots to earn the victory while Saskatchewan goalie Jake Davidson stopped 22 shots.

Alberta forward Josh Tarzwell and Saskatchewan forward Carson Focht were named the Players of the Game.