The Durham West Lightning and Central York Panthers delivered a thrilling, back-and-forth contest that saw the Lightning emerge with a 5-3 victory. After a scoreless first period that featured three minor penalties, the game exploded in the second frame. The Panthers struck first when Annabella Van Berkel found the back of the net, assisted by Abby Pak. The Lightning responded quickly on the power play, with Peyton Fleming converting a setup from Renee Lapointe to tie the game. Uma Peterson then gave Durham West their first lead, scoring with help from Soren Biderman and Eden Bergman. The Panthers' Zoe Ordanis answered to knot the game at 2-2, but Lightning forward Savannah Halleran restored the lead just over a minute later, sending her team to the intermission up 3-2.
The third period continued the seesaw battle. Central York's Anastasia Trifon, assisted by Van Berkel and Pak, tied the game once more, completing a strong three-point night for Abby Pak. However, the Lightning found a hero in Peyton Fleming, who netted her second of the game—the eventual game-winner—with an assist from Taylor Supryka. Lorelai Himle provided the crucial insurance goal late, sealing the 5-3 win for the home side with help from Eden Bergman, who finished with two assists.
While specific goaltending statistics were not tracked, the scoreline suggests both netminders faced significant action in a game defined by offensive surges. Discipline played a role, with the Lightning capitalizing on one of their power-play chances. Key performances from Durham West's Peyton Fleming with two goals, including the winner, and Eden Bergman's two assists were instrumental in securing the two points for the Lightning in this entertaining U22 Elite matchup.
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