Fans of fast paced, high scoring action will be pleased with this game that saw the Anaheim Outlaws defeat the Lethbridge Lions in a 6-5 victory, overcoming a 4-0 deficit in the first period.

1st Period

Lethbridge opened the scoring quick in this game, as right winger Boruvka Banananak fired home the first shot of the game, beating goaltender Patrick Niederreiter. The game continued on with back and forth chances until the Lions’ top line struck again, this time by the left wing, Aparjode, over half way through the period. After an extended shift in the offensive zone, the Lions struck again, by the centre L’Eclair and then 26 seconds later managed another, this time by defenceman Mouette. Outlaws goalie Tibuk Soonika entered the game at this time, down 4-0. The trailing team responded with a quick goal of their own 27 seconds after the 4th goal, scored by winger Yoshimitsu McCloud to make the game 4-1 heading into the intermission.

2nd Period

The second period was not as eventful as the previous one, however the Outlaws began putting on much more pressure than they had in the first. Their increased shots and chances did not go unrewarded as third pairing defenceman Alexander Mann collected a loose puck and scored to make it 4-2. While the Outlaws didn’t score again this period, the chances were there and they showed that they weren’t done.

3rd Period

Both teams came out flying for the third period, with the Lions putting on several shots that couldn’t beat Soonika. Outlaws winger Gunnar Petrov missed the net with a shot, collected his own rebound and scored, making it a one goal game 4-3. The Lions own Austin Roenick thought he had a goal, but was overturned after video review. Top line winger Lallo Selman took advantage of this opportunity and tied the game at 4 apiece. Nearly a minute later Monkey D. Luffy gave the Lions the lead again after collecting his own rebound. The back and forth action continued however, as 10 seconds later the 4th line winger, Anthony Archer scored to tie the game 5-5. The Outlaws weren’t about to allow their comeback to fall short, and top pairing D-man, Corey Kennedy gave the team their first lead of the game at 6-5 with just over 6 minutes left to play. The Lions put on several more shots but couldn’t solve Soonika, and with the great relief goaltending, and a last second shot block by Jerry Mander, the Outlaws held onto their lead and took the thrilling game 6-5.

Final Score:

6-5  

3 Stars

1 - Yoshimitsu McCloud (ANA)
2 - Gunnar Petrov (ANA)
3 - Boruvka Banananak (LBL)