The Hazelton Wolverines triumphed over the Williams Lake Stampeders Oct. 12 in a gripping 7-6 overtime victory, with Dawson McKenzie sealing the win just over three minutes into the extra frame.
Hazelton set the pace early when Tanner Wort netted the opening goal at 2:40 of the first period, with assists from Zackery Henry and Emerson Hrynyk. The Wolverines doubled their lead on a powerplay goal by Dylan Walchuk at 12:50, following a setup by Joel Patsey. Liam Dodd then added another at 17:38, with Henry assisting again, pushing Hazelton to a 3-2 advantage heading into the second period.
Williams Lake responded fiercely in the second, capitalizing on a couple of powerplays. However, Hazelton’s captain, Sean Maktaak, scored a crucial shorthanded goal at 13:20 to keep the game tied 4-4 by the end of the period.
Walchuk opened scoring in the third just two minutes in, assisted by McKenzie. Moments later, McKenzie found the net again at 3:14 with help from Maktaak, giving Hazelton a 6-4 lead. However, the Stampeders fought their way back, scoring twice to force overtime.
McKenzie secured the victory for Hazelton at 3:23 in overtime, scoring off a pass from Patsey, ending the game with a thrilling 7-6 result.
