JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Redeemer Royals used a big second-period surge to defeat Massachusetts Maritime Academy 6–2, showcasing their offensive depth and composure after a tightly contested opening frame.
The opening 20 minutes were evenly played as both teams traded chances and each found the back of the net once. Massachusetts Maritime Academy opened the scoring at 9:58 of the first period when Sean Souza scored with assists from Christopher Brennick and Nick Souretis.
The Royals responded quickly. At 8:17, Hayden Fernhout recorded the Redeemer equalizer, finishing a play set up by Ethan Smith and Hudson Kosloski to send the teams into the intermission tied 1–1.
Redeemer grabbed their first lead early in the second period when Nick VanderWier scored on the power play at 16:51, beating the goaltender five-hole with assists from Noah Wildeboer and Jakob Brazeau to make it 2–1.
However, the lead lasted less than a minute. Massachusetts Maritime answered at 16:19 when Nick Souretis scored his second of the tournament, assisted by Christopher Brennick and Landon Connor, tying the game at 2–2.
From that point forward, the Royals turned up the intensity knowing the loser was packing there bags and golfing until next season..
It would be none other then Tucker Copeland who has had a great nationals who restored the Redeemer lead with what would stand as the game-winning goal, finishing an unassisted effort to make it 3–2.
Redeemer continued to press offensively. At 13:26, Ethan Smith extended the lead to 4–2, finishing a strong play created by Hayden Fernhout and Adam Beatty.
The Royals struck again at 8:51 when Jax Ackland found the back of the net with Adam Beatty collecting the assist, pushing the advantage to 5–2 heading into the third period.
Redeemer continued to dominate play in the final frame, controlling the pace and limiting opportunities for Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The Royals added one more insurance marker at 4:28 of the third when Adam Beatty capitalized on a two-on-zero opportunity, finishing a play set up by Jake Hackett and Nick VanderWier to extend the lead and seal the 6–2 victory.
In goal, Carson Murison earned the win for the Royals, stopping 24 of 26 shots faced. Massachusetts Maritime Academy outshot Redeemer 26–20, but Murison's steady MVP performance kept the Royals firmly in control throughout the game.
Senior Adam Beatty led the Royals offensively with a goal and two assists, while Ethan Smith and Hayden Fernhout each contributed a goal and an assist in the victory.
Following the game, Head Coach PJ reflected on the team's performance and spirit.
"In all my years of coaching, I've never seen a more raw and determined will to win from a team," said PJ. "It was really special to witness that spirit of joy and belief on the bench. And best yet, we will honour the Lord by obeying His Sabbath and enjoy a day of rest tomorrow. We're on fire at the right time."
