South takes entertaining HJHL All-Star Game in shootout

Photo Credit: Jason Skilnick / Skillz Photos

Noah Irvine (Medicine Hat Cubs) netted the winning goal in the seventh round of the shootout as Team South edged Team North in an entertaining 2018-19 Heritage Junior Hockey League All-Star Game on Sunday.

Isaac Benoit (Strathmore Wheatland Kings) scored twice and added one assist for Team South, which trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes before taking a 3-2 lead into the final frame.

In the third period, Trey Wallace (Mountainview Colts) and Rylan Plante-Crough (Airdrie Thunder) each found the back of the net early in the frame, restoring Team North’s lead, however Tyler Alger (High River Flyers) would find the equalizer for the South, finding the back of the net with just 26 seconds left on the clock.

Jordan McConnell (Airdrie Thunder) and Tate Opendries (Blackfalds Wranglers) rounded out the scoring for Team North, while Brandon Aab (Cochrane Generals) added a goal for Team South.

Four goaltenders in total played in the game, as Ryan Simpson (Airdrie Thunder) stopped 23-of-24 shots in the first half for Team North, while Ethan Woodward (Mountainview Colts) went the rest of the way, turning aside 29-of-32 shots faced.

Devan Reagan (Okotoks Bisons) finished with 25 saves on 26 shots in the first half for Team South, while Chantz Vinck (High River Flyers) made 27 saves the rest of the way.