Atlantic Youth Hockey League

SEWELL, N.J. — As the playoffs rapidly approach, the players of the 16U division seem to be stepping up their game. We saw that this weekend, as there were numerous tremendous games that went all the way down to the final buzzer. 

Philadelphia Hockey Club vs. Long Island Royals (Elite)

The Philadelphia Hockey Club (17-4-3) got taken to their limit by the 8-14-1 Long Island Royals in a thrilling 6-5 shootout. The Royals looked to have the upset well in hand through the first two periods, as they led 4-1 at the beginning of the third. Maybe they let their guard down, or maybe Philadelphia finally woke up, but they began ripping off goals left and right. When it was all said and done, they scored an astounding five goals in one period to miraculously take the lead with just over thirty seconds left. This titanic win keeps Philadelphia within striking distance of the second place New York Saints as we approach the playoffs. 

New Jersey Devils Youth vs. New York Saints (Elite)

The second place New York Saints and fourth place New Jersey Devils Youth dueled to a 3-3 overtime tie, in what could very well be an early preview of the upcoming playoffs. Egor Andreev scored once in both the first and second periods for the Devils, both on Power Plays. The Saints matched that total with a goal each for PJ Aprea and Brady Juhn. They were able to add on one more before time expired in the second, but the Devils scored in the third, sending the game into overtime where the score would remain deadlocked. 

Philadelphia Little Flyers vs. New Jersey Jr. Titans (Premier)

Over on the Premier side of things, the Flyers and Titans gave us an elite defensive struggle that saw the Flyers prevail, 2-1. The Flyers jumped out to a two goal lead on the backs of goals from Jacob Warner and Braeden Graham, and although the Titan’s Peter Morris tacked on a goal of his own late in the second, the Flyers never surrendered their lead.  It was a huge win, as the Titans were rapidly encroaching on their number two spot in the division, but now, the Flyers have a comfortable four game lead as we head into the final stretch of the season.