HJHL Roundup: Friday, Oct. 4

Thunder rally to beat Rams

They might be an HJHL expansion club.

But they're certainly no pushover.

In fact, the Rocky Rams enjoyed a 3-2 third-period lead in Airdrie — thanks to a Ryan Chambers hat trick — against the defending-champion Thunder.

But the hosts caught fire, scored four unanswered markers and skated away with a 6-3 victory Friday night.

Jason Horn did most of the damage, scoring a hat-trick and adding a pair of assists as the Thunder improved to 3-2-0.

Airdrie bench boss Derek Stamp said the German product has fit in well with his squad.

"He skated with our summer group the last two summers," Stamp said. "So we knew what talent level he had."

Linemate Kyle Bracko scored the game-winner and had a trio of helpers and Cody Brodhagen chipped in with a pair of assists.

"Horn, Brodhagen and Bracko have clicked," Stamp said. "All three of them are coming from different teams so you have to give them credit for the work they've done off the ice, so that they can read off each other like they do."

Dane Bennett-Nimijean and Tyler Petrie also lit the lamp for Airdrie, which will face a tough test in Coaldale on Saturday night against the Copperheads (8:30 p.m.).

The Snake Pit has been one of the toughest barns in the league for opposing teams over the past few seasons.

"For some of our guys who haven't experienced it yet, they'll get that chance," Stamp said. "You want to play in front of crowds with noise and energy, so it'll be good.

"Hopefully we can make the adjustments, play a simple game to start with and capitalize when we get the chances."

Generals 1, Flyers 0

Talk about a goaltender's battle.

Cochrane Generals goaltender Jordan Lott booted out all 22 shots that came his way for his first shutout of the season.

High River Flyers puckstopper Parker Sawka was nearly perfect as well, kicking out 41 pucks in a first-star performance.

River Ross's shot was the only one that found the back of the net as the Generals left High River with a 1-0 win.

The two teams meet again Saturday night in Cochrane (7:30 p.m.).