Week 20 recap: Overtime classics in the 18U division

DIX HILLS, N.Y. — There wasn't enough time in regulation to contain the epic duels in the 18U division this past weekend. Multiple games went to overtime as teams battled to establish pole position in the ongoing playoff race.

Long Island Royals vs. North Jersey Avalanche (Elite)

The first place Long Island Royals got a scare from the third place North Jersey Avalanche, narrowly outdueling them in a 2-1 overtime thriller. Defense dominated the day for these teams, as both were held scoreless through the first period. The Royals’ Brady Monteleone finally broke through late in the second period, but the Avalanche answered quickly with their first goal just minutes into the third. Both defenses went right back to locking things down, as fourteen minutes later, we were still tied at 1-1. Finally, Starvos Likourentzos broke the drought when he punched in a goal and won the game for the Royals.

Elite Hockey vs. Philadelphia Junior Flyers (Premier)

Over on the Premier side of things, the first place Elite Hockey were unseated by the Philadelphia Hockey Club (PHC) in a 7-4 classic. PHC were able to ride a hot second period where they scored four goals to defeat the championship favorites. Needless to say, it was a huge win. Not only does it give PHC a fighting chance to qualify for the playoffs in a few weeks, but it also gives them a huge shot of momentum as they begin to push down the closing stretch. 

Valley Forge Minutemen vs. North Jersey Avalanche (Premier)

The Avalanche were able to stave off the Valley Forge Minutemen in yet another overtime barn-burner. With these two teams right next to each other in the division standings, this was a hugely important matchup, and it didn’t disappoint. The Avalanche started out in dominant fashion with three unanswered goals, seemingly putting the game out of reach early, but the Minutemen refused to die. They scored on a shorthanded goal in the second period that seemed to kick-start their offense, and from there, they scored three straight goals in the third period to take the game into overtime. In overtime, Alexander Frassetto was able to score with two minutes remaining to seal the win for the Avalanche.