Predators Named Champion in the 12U Jones Division
DETROIT, MI – In one of the most dramatic finishes of the Tier 1 Elite League Playoffs, the Nashville Jr. Predators 12U team scored the game-winning goal with just six seconds remaining to defeat the Carolina Junior Canes 3-2 and claim the 2025 Jones Division Championship. The packed house at Belle Tire’s Taylor rink witnessed a relentless battle, capped off by a moment of pure hockey magic.
First Period – Nashville Strikes First
The Predators set the tone early with a barrage of shots, capitalizing with a tally at the 1:44 mark by Wheaton Reilly (#3) off an assist from Levi Monroe (#8). Nashville took a 1-0 lead and sent a message that they were ready for the big stage.
Second Period – Canes Battle Back
Nashville took a 2-0 lead early in the second. At 3:08 into the period (11:52 remaining), Matthew Lignelli Jr (#26) snagged an unassisted goal making it 2-0.
Carolina responded with a surge of their own. Daxton McCoy (#22) broke through at 5:14 remaining (9:46 on the clock), converting a pass from Alex Tkach (#76) to bring the score within 1.
Less than five minutes later, McCoy struck again—this time unassisted—at 10:18 into the period (4:42 remaining), giving the Junior Canes a surge of energy and a 2-2 tie heading into the third.
Third Period – Late Heroics Seal the Cup
What followed was an intense, tightly contested stretch of hockey as both teams battled for the go-ahead goal. Then, with just six seconds left in regulation, James Marchessault (#81) delivered the championship-winning goal, finishing a clutch pass from Jack Anderson (#97) to lift the Jr. Predators to a heart-pounding 3-2 victory.
Key Players & Stats
– James Marchessault (#81) scored the game-winner with six seconds remaining, securing the title.
– Matthew Lignelli Jr (#26) and Wheaton Reilly (#3) added goals for Nashville.
– Levi Monroe (#8) and Jack Anderson (#97) each notched essential assists.
– Goaltender Jackson Walker (#29) stood tall under pressure, stopping 25 of 27 shots for the Jr. Predators.
– For Carolina, Daxton McCoy (#22) scored both goals and was a standout offensively.
– Goaltender Christopher Dietz (#35) made 14 saves in the loss.
Final Word
The Nashville Jr. Predators 12U squad etched their names in league history with a performance full of heart, grit, and composure. With a stunning buzzer-beater to cap a hard-fought battle, they emerge as your 2025 12U Jones Division Champions, after a game that will be remembered for years to come.
