GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
Reider Hockey Jr. struck quickly, building a two-goal lead in the opening period. Finn Kelly (#34) opened the scoring just 1:36 into the game off assists from Nick Smith (#91) and Jeff Collett (#37) before Andre Romero (#49) doubled the advantage on the power play at the 5:40 mark, with Smith (#91) picking up his second assist of the period.
Reider Hockey Jr. extended its lead early in the second period when Darius Nichols (#93) converted an opportunity at 1:25, assisted by Jacob Bradley (#39) and Colton Penticost (#48). Ben Craddock (#94) then set up Ethan Roche (#27) for another goal at 8:07, giving Reider Hockey Jr. a commanding four-goal cushion.
NorthStar Elite Jr. continued to battle and broke through midway through the second period when Chase High (#29) scored off assists from Zander Reed (#94) and James Barbieri (#25). Later, Connor Girard (#17) added a power-play goal with help from Christopher Tine (#4) and Chet Wakie (#19), but Reider Hockey Jr. held off the late push to secure the tournament-opening victory.
