The YDP squad stormed out of the gate and never looked back, securing a commanding 4-2 victory over the Crocs in a game that was decided in a wild opening frame. The first period was an absolute whirlwind of offense, with both teams trading blows in rapid succession. The Crocs drew first blood at the 5:42 mark when Hunter Kaufman (21) buried a shot off assists from Eric Plouffe (4) and Dom Faulkner (6). Not to be outdone, Max King (9) extended the lead just two minutes later, finding the net with help from Kaledan Hunt (33) and Dom Faulkner once again, putting the home side up 2-0 and looking dominant.
But the momentum shifted dramatically in the final minute of the period. With just 36 seconds remaining, Adam Manah (24) put YDP on the board, assisted by Todd Kirk (6) and Kyle Lynch (91). The Crocs never recovered from the sudden turn of events, as the period ended in stunning fashion when Kyle Lynch (91) struck again with a mere five seconds left on the clock, tying the game at 2-2 off the same combination of Kirk and Manah. The Crocs had surrendered a two-goal lead in just 31 seconds of game time, completely changing the complexion of the contest.
The second period belonged entirely to YDP, as they took control for good. Kyle Lynch struck again at the 7:58 mark to complete his hat trick, once again set up by the Kirk-Manah connection that had been so lethal in the first period. A slashing minor to Bex Richard (10) of the Crocs proved costly for the home side, as YDP continued to apply pressure even while shorthanded. The third period saw Dom Faulkner (6) take a slashing penalty himself, but it was Todd Kirk (6) who put the game on ice, scoring at the 1:38 mark with assists from Mike Iwanyk (0) and Kyle Lynch. Despite the Crocs' valiant effort, outshooting YDP in every period, the goaltending and shutdown defense of YDP's Ivan Roberts (30), who earned the win with 22 saves, proved too much to overcome. The Crocs' Harrison Gibbons (29) faced 21 shots but was hung out to dry after his team's early lead evaporated in dramatic fashion.