Game 3 of the brand new season of the SMJHL took us to Colorado, for a match-up between the Halifax Raiders and the Colorado Raptors. Both teams are very much going through rebuilding periods, with each team's roster consisting of around 60% first year rookies. A lot of players with something to prove to SHL scouts on the ice should make for an interesting match. The win could go either way to the fresh-faced teams hot off the heels of the biggest draft in SMJHL history. 

The first goal of the game came just 1:17 into the period thanks to a missed shot from Alexander Selich left O'Koivu wide open to find a wrist shot over McKorsy's shoulder, scoring on just the 3rd shot of the game. The play continued on a see-saw with chances and possession flipping between each team. Halifax appeared to have the edge as they found themselves on the power-play three times. This ultimately proved fruitless with Colorado scoring their second goal, thanks to a well setup play from the Raptors, with a well screened shot from Knurtsson tipped in by Nick Novak. The period ended out with with the shots 17-9 in favour of Halifax.

Goals
Anastasia O'Koivu (COL) 1:17 - Assisted by Alexander Selich, Eric Vanderberg
Nick Novak (COL) 13:07 - Assisted by Knute Knurtsson, Chico Smeb

2nd Period
Halifax carried their momentum forward into the second period, constantly pressuring the Colorado team and drawing two early penalties. The second of which resulted in the Raiders' first goal of the season from the rookie Clifton Outlaw thanks to a pass from Karlsson below the goal line. Halifax kept up the pressure and before long scored the second goal of the night, courtesy of Choybuk, one of the few veterans of the game. He and Mr. Faceoffs charged up the ice in a 2v1 that left Yuri Ushakov helpless. Colorado's fifth penalty of the night was the cause of the Raider's third straight unanswered goal. A shot from Karlsson was left hanging in the crease and Kholin capitalised, sending the puck into the back of the net. The Raptors however kept on pressuring and getting good zone time as the period faded out. They were rewarded for their efforts as some dazzling passing between Chico Smeb and Zidek found McKorsy leaving an open net for the Voloshin to hit the puck into. 

Goals
Clifton Outlaw (HAL) 5:07 - Assisted by Dylan Karlsson, Mr Faceoffs (PP)
Mikael Choybuk (HAL) 11:28 - Assisted by Mr Faceoffs
Matt Kholin (HAL) 14:53 - Assisted by Dylan Karlsson, Rainbow Dash (PP)
Konstantin Voloshin (COL) 16:29 - Assisted by Chico Smeb, Zivan Zidek

3rd Period
The final period of regulation saw the game wind down slightly, as both teams were clearly gassed and struggled to play at the same intensity as the first two periods of the game. The first goal didn't come till almost halfway through the period. A sloppy turnover from Halifax lead to Darrow getting the puck to Selich who scored a relatively easy goal past a dumbfounded McKorsy. The Raiders didn't take long to hit back and tie the game for the final time, with Choybuk scoring his second of the night on a good offensive play from Halifax. The period drew out with neither team having an edge, the shots 6-7 to Colorado. Time for bonus hockey. 

Goals
Alexander Selich (COL) 9:58 - Assisted by Cassius Darrow
Mikael Choybuk (HAL) 11:02 - Assisted by Vegeta Muerto, Oleg Scoreov

Overtime
Neither team could manage any meaningful attacks in the overtime period, with both teams only hitting two shots a piece. A shootout was needed to settle the score. Outlaw was the first to step up for Halifax. A slow and steady build up ultimately proved fruitless as the puck went over the crossbar. Jakub Novak was next for Colorado. A sly fake gave him enough room to find the net and score. Scoreov was next to shoot for the Raiders, he fires a decent shot but ultimately it is gloved down by Ushakov, who is clearly on form. Selich steps up with the oppourtunity to win the game for the Raptors. He approaches and sure enough he lights the lamp, giving the Colorado Raptors the second winning point. 

Three Stars
1) Mikael Choybuk (HAL) - 2G, +/- 2
2) Mr. Faceoffs (HAL) - 2A, +/- 2
3) Alexander Selich (COL) - 2P, GW