Hockey

Youth Hockey Correspondent and proud Dad Brian Smith gave this report on Youth Hockey. 

After last week’s loss to first place Jr. Ducks, the Wildcats were on the road this week, playing the San Diego Jr. Gulls. 

In the first period, the Wildcats had many scoring chances, but the goaltender was very strong and kept it scoreless. The second period was more of the same, with multiple scoring chances for the Wildcats and great saves by the Gulls’ goalie. 

Finally, two minutes into the third period, Juliette Koepke snuck one past the Gulls’ goaltender for the Wildcats’ first goal of the game. Three minutes later, the Gulls got a breakaway and tied it at 1-1. Only 15 seconds later, Scott Hommel scored to regain the lead for the Wildcats. 

With five minutes to go, a Wildcats defenseman accidentally tipped it past their own goalie to once again tie up the game for the Gulls. Then, one minute later, Tyler Longnecker scored for the Wildcats to make it 3-2. Then with just under two minutes to go, Scott Hommel scored to give the Wildcats their first 2-goal lead of the game. The Gulls pulled their goalie, and with one minute to go, Nick Clarke scored an empty net goal. The Wildcats won with a final score of 5-2.

The Wildcats play their next game at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, in Panorama City against the California Heat.