Fox Motors advances to the 18U Championship
Fox Motors Advances to 18U Championship Final with Third-Period Surge Over Phoenix Jr Coyotes
BLAINE, MN – Fox Motors is heading to the 18U Championship Final after a resilient 4-2 comeback victory over the Phoenix Jr Coyotes in a thrilling Semi-Final matchup on February 16 at NSC Rink 2. After falling behind early, Fox Motors responded with key goals, including a dominant third-period push to secure their spot in the championship.
First Period – Fast-Paced Start with Both Teams Finding the Net
Phoenix wasted no time setting the pace, striking first at 15:21 (1:39 elapsed time) when Nicholas Kondub (#19) buried an unassisted goal to put the Jr Coyotes up 1-0.
Fox Motors responded quickly, leveling the score at 12:24 (4:36 elapsed time) as Mason Noble (#21) finished a play set up by Robert Glentz Jr. (#37), making it 1-1.
However, Phoenix regained the lead late in the period at 1:34 (15:26 elapsed time), when Alexander Ihling (#86) converted off an assist from Brenden Stirbu (#11), giving the Jr Coyotes a 2-1 advantage heading into intermission.
Second Period – Defensive Standoff
The second period saw both teams buckle down defensively, with neither side able to find the back of the net. Fox Motors goaltender Caden Meringa (#11) made key saves to keep his team within striking distance, while Connor MacKenzie (#63) stood tall in net for Phoenix, preserving their 2-1 lead heading into the final frame.
Third Period – Fox Motors Completes the Comeback
Fox Motors came out aggressive in the third, tying the game just 36 seconds in (16:24 remaining) as Landon Carpenter (#16) finished a setup from Mason Noble (#21), making it 2-2.
Momentum shifted entirely in Fox Motors’ favor, and they pulled ahead at 6:28 (10:32 elapsed time) when Trevor Joseph (#86) fired home a go-ahead goal off an assist from Ryder Vargas (#44), giving them their first lead of the game at 3-2.
With Phoenix pushing for an equalizer, Fox Motors held their ground and sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 1:19 (15:41 elapsed time) courtesy of Mason Noble (#21), securing the 4-2 victory and a trip to the 18U Championship Final.
Key Takeaways
Fox Motors showcased their ability to battle through adversity, rallying from behind with a dominant third-period performance. Noble’s two-goal night, Carpenter’s timely equalizer, and Joseph’s clutch go-ahead goal proved to be the difference-makers, while Meringa made key saves to hold Phoenix at bay.
With this Semi-Final win, Fox Motors advances to the 18U Championship Final, where they will play for the title. Phoenix Jr Coyotes showed strong play early but couldn’t hold off the relentless third-period surge from Fox Motors.
