Chicago Fury Triumph Over Nashville Jr Predators in Shootout Thriller
BLAINE, MN – In a back-and-forth battle that required extra time, the Chicago Fury edged out the Nashville Jr Predators 5-4 in a shootout in their Tier 1 Elite Hockey League 14U Championship Pool A matchup on February 14 at Fogerty South. A late-game surge by Chicago forced overtime, and a clutch shootout goal sealed the win.
First Period – Trading Blows Early
Chicago struck first at 12:43, with Evan White (#81) finding the back of the net off assists from Charles Rice (#12) and John Zuccaro (#8) to put the Fury ahead 1-0. Nashville answered at 7:47, when Rider Matz (#93) netted the equalizer unassisted, sending the game into the first intermission tied 1-1.
Second Period – Nashville Gains the Upper Hand
The Jr Predators came out strong in the second period, taking the lead at 14:27 when Lincoln Smith (#23) scored, assisted by Brandon Gill (#88). Nashville extended their lead at 10:11, with Beau Trizzino (#19) finishing a play set up by Nicholas Musser (#10) to make it 3-1.
Chicago struggled to generate offensive momentum, and Nashville capitalized again at 1:53, as Smith (#23) struck for his second goal of the game, this time assisted by Shea Brinkerhoff (#55), sending the Jr Predators into the third period with a commanding 4-1 lead.
Third Period – Chicago’s Furious Comeback
Down three goals, the Fury mounted an impressive comeback, beginning with Evan White (#81) scoring his second of the game at 10:46, assisted by Michael Zundell (#90), cutting the deficit to 4-2. Less than a minute later, Aidan Jarosik (#18) found the net at 9:44, with an assist from Kellan Sedlacek (#21), pulling Chicago within one.
The Fury completed the comeback at 3:12, as Jarosik (#18) struck again, this time unassisted, tying the game at 4-4 and forcing overtime.
Shootout Drama – Chicago Prevails
After a scoreless overtime period, the game went to a shootout.
- Nashville’s Anton Psotka (#68), Nolan Dixon (#9), and Rider Matz (#93) all failed to score against Chicago goaltender Hendrix Hanna (#33).
- Chicago’s Kellan Sedlacek (#21) missed his attempt, but Moulis Elijah (#26) beat Nashville goalie Bryce Godfrey (#74) to secure the 5-4 shootout victory.
Key Takeaways
Chicago showed incredible resilience, clawing back from a three-goal deficit in the third period to force overtime and win in the shootout. Hendrix Hanna (#33) was crucial in net, stopping all three Nashville shootout attempts, while Evan White (#81) and Aidan Jarosik (#18) led the charge offensively.
With the win, Chicago picks up a crucial Pool A victory, while Nashville will need to regroup for their next matchup in hopes of keeping their playoff run alive.
