The Stonewall Jets kept their season alive with a crucial 5-2 victory over the River East Royal Knights in Game 4 of their MMJHL playoff series on March 20 at Terry Sawchuk Arena.
Facing elimination after dropping the first three games of the series, the Jets delivered a complete effort to cut the series deficit to 3-1.
River East opened the series with a 6-3 win on March 13 in Stonewall, followed by a narrow 4-3 victory on home ice on March 15. The Royal Knights then took firm control with a 7-4 win in Game 3 on March 17, despite the Jets outshooting them 47-24.
Karson King scored twice in that Game 3 loss, with Brody Stovin and Kai Smith adding singles. Stonewall showed flashes of momentum with three quick first-period goals but could not contain River East’s offence, which capitalized three times on the power play.
With their backs against the wall in Game 4, the Jets responded with urgency. King led the way with a hat trick, striking twice in the opening period before sealing the win with an empty-net goal late in the third. Cohen Cheung and Gavin Holod also scored, while Peyton Bateman recorded two assists.
Stonewall built a 3-1 lead after the first period and extended their advantage in the second before locking things down defensively. Goaltender Spencer Hunnam was outstanding, stopping 46 of 48 shots for a .958 save percentage.
River East generated plenty of chances, outshooting the Jets 48-28, but were limited to goals from Cody Allen and Liam Urciuoli.
Game 5 was scheduled for March 23 in Stonewall, with the result unavailable at press time. If the Jets extend the series, Game 6 will be played March 25 in River East, followed by a potential Game 7 on March 27 back in Stonewall.
