The only downside to the JPHL’s 18U championship final? We didn’t get a game three. While the Titans Hockey Union certainly isn’t complaining after sweeping the best-of-three series 2-0, both games went to overtime and delivered edge-of-your-seat drama—setting the stage for what would have been a can’t-miss finale.
Game one began with fireworks courtesy of Langley Hockey Academy’s 15-year-old phenom, Liam Pue, who netted a hat trick and helped build a commanding 4-1 lead midway through the second period. But the veteran Titans showed no signs of panic. They clawed their way back, tying the game twice to force overtime, where Danilo Garcia capitalized on a forced turnover to score the game-winner and give the Titans the early series lead.
Game two was no less intense. Titans peppered Langley goalie Colton Busch with over 40 shots, following up a similar barrage on Nicklaus Kotai in game one. Titans’ Luke Dumas and Langley's Liam Pue traded goals in the first period, and the deadlock held until overtime once again.
That’s when Gavyn Schaufele made his move. Catching Langley on a change, Schaufele broke in alone and ripped a shot past Busch, with teammate Landon Scott trailing closely for a potential rebound.
“I saw their guy coming down and saw Easy (Ethan Creran) had a good poke and I knew I had to skate fast because I knew I could catch them on a change,” Schaufele said. “I was looking 5-hole the whole way and I was able to finish.”
Before Schaufele sealed the win, Titans goaltender Kasey Fuson stood tall, making two clutch saves against both Liam and Landon Pue on back-to-back rushes—critical stops after facing just 23 shots through regulation.
“I just knew my team would have my back,” Fuson said. “So it was just time to repay their debt for always having mine.”
Liam Pue (Langley) and Landon Scott (Titans) were named Finals MVPs for their standout performances.
