New Westminster Navigators Edge Delta Destroyers 4-3 with Late One-Timer Goal by Demir
Ayla Demir's clutch one-timer seals a thrilling victory for the Navigators over the Destroyers
By Jamie Reynolds
NEW WESTMINSTER – In a nail-biting encounter at home ice, the New Westminster Navigators narrowly triumphed over the Delta Destroyers with a 4-3 final score. The game swung on key moments, including a clutch one-timer goal by Ayla Demir in the final quarter that secured the Navigators’ win. This victory was significant for New Westminster as it bolsters their playoff positioning while handing Delta a tough road loss.
The first period set an intense tone with both teams fiercely battling puck possession. Despite some early missed shots by Navigators’ Tomasz Wójcik and Elena Costa, New Westminster’s offense found rhythm. The first goal came late in the second period when Costa scored on a rebound, showcasing her tenacity by capitalizing on a loose puck in front of the net.
Moments later, Demir fired a precise wrist shot assisted by Wójcik to extend the lead. Delta struck back early in the third period through a snap shot by Soraya El Amrani, aided by Zara Amiri and Katya Ivanova, signaling a momentum shift. Another pivotal goal by Amiri with a powerful slap shot brought Delta within one, igniting hopes of a comeback.
However, it was Demir again who made the difference in the final moments, scoring a spectacular one-timer goal off assists from Costa and Sofia Bianchi, reestablishing the two-goal lead. Delta’s resilience shone through as Katya Ivanova added a late slap shot goal, but time ran out for the visitors.
Goalies Keisha Thompson and Luka Jovanovic showed commendable skills, both making over 20 saves each, though Thompson’s 88% save percentage ultimately tipped the scales in New Westminster’s favor.
Demir stated after the game, “We knew this would be a tough match, but our teamwork and focus gave us the edge when it mattered most.” Coach of New Westminster added, “Ayla’s performance was outstanding and a great example of the hard work we put in all season.”
Key Notes:
- Ayla Demir scored 2 goals, including the game-winning one-timer.
- Both teams had equal shots on goal (35 each) but Navigators had better shot efficiency at 16%.
- Goalies combined for 43 saves, with Thompson recording 22 saves.
- Katya Ivanova led Delta with 10 shots, contributing a goal and an assist.
- High turnover battle at 36 for each team underscored the intense competition throughout the game.