The U18 Kraken delivered a masterclass in offensive hockey, routing the Zappers 11-2 in a game that was effectively decided in a stunning second-period blitz. The Kraken set the tone early, with Josh Hill (#8) opening the scoring late in the first period, assisted by Benjamin Rogerson (#16) and Ernesto Blasetti (#6). Rogerson then doubled the lead with just 16 seconds left in the opening frame, capitalizing on setups from Blasetti and Haden Colpitts (#14). Despite the Zappers outshooting the Kraken 25-24 in the first period, the scoreboard told a different story, foreshadowing the onslaught to come.
The second period was a complete demolition. The Kraken erupted for six unanswered goals, turning a close game into a laugher. Jad Hamdan (#13) started the barrage, followed by a pair from the red-hot Benjamin Rogerson to complete his hat-trick. Josh Hill netted his second of the night, Haden Colpitts got on the scoresheet, and Jad Hamdan capped the period with his second goal, making it 8-0. The Kraken's passing was sublime, with Grayson Neil (#7), James Wren (#9), Khilen Sporns (#5), and Marcus Hilbert (#15) all picking up key assists to slice through the Zappers' defense. In net, Quentin Babb (#19) was a perfect wall for the Kraken through two periods, stopping all 25 shots he faced.
The Zappers finally broke through in the third period to avoid the shutout, with Ahmad Abdulhak (#11) and Lauren Harrison (#9) finding the net. But the Kraken's offense never relented. Ernesto Blasetti stole the show in the final frame, netting a natural hat-trick with three goals to put an exclamation point on the victory. The only blemish for the Kraken was a tripping minor by Marcus Hilbert (#15) as time expired in the game. While Emily Gaucher (#12) faced a relentless 24-shot attack for the Zappers, the story of the night was the Kraken's relentless, multi-line attack and clinical finishing, led by standout performances from Benjamin Rogerson, Ernesto Blasetti, and the impenetrable Quentin Babb in goal.
Raptors
