By Jordan Miller

COQUITLAM — The Delta Destroyers claimed a commanding 3-0 victory over the Coquitlam Cougars on their home ice in a game marked by stellar defensive play and clutch offensive strikes. The shutout victory owed much to Delta’s impeccable goaltending and timely goals, cementing their strong season position and dealing a frustrating blow to the Cougars, who struggled to capitalize despite ample shooting opportunities.

The game started with intense back-and-forth skirmishes, with Coquitlam players Thomas Dubois and Chloe Robertson firing early shots that were consistently denied by Delta’s goalie Luka Jovanovic. Jovanovic was a perfect wall in net tonight, turning away all 31 Cougar shots with 18 saves to his name, preserving the shutout.

Delta drew first blood early in the contest when winger Zara Amiri found the net with a snap shot assisted by Katya Ivanova. This goal ignited momentum for the Destroyers, with forward Soraya El Amrani unleashing a vicious slap shot later assisted by Carlos Fernandez to extend the lead. The game’s decisive moment came late when Katya Ivanova expertly executed a wrist shot, assisted by Amiri and Amrani, sealing the emphatic 3-0 final.

Delta’s offensive efforts were relentless, with Carlos Fernandez leading the charge in shots on goal at 14, supported strongly by eight shots each from Amrani and Amiri. The Cougars’ offense was stifled by Delta’s disciplined defense and Jovanovic’s flawless netminding, while Coquitlam’s Bruno Costa faced 39 shots but conceded three goals on just over a 90% save rate.

Coach Marc LeBlanc praised his squad, “Luka was phenomenal tonight, and the forwards executed our game plan perfectly. The timely goals made the difference against a tough opponent.”

Katya Ivanova underscored the team effort: “Everyone played their part tonight. We stayed calm, took our chances, and supported each other well on defense and offense.”

Key Notes:

• Luka Jovanovic posted a perfect 100% save percentage with 18 saves, achieving the shutout.
• Delta Destroyers generated 39 shots on goal, converting 7.7% of them into goals.
• Coquitlam Cougars had a high shot count (31) but a 0% conversion rate.
• Turnover battle favored Delta 33-44, helping control possession and pace.
• Soraya El Amrani and Zara Amiri each contributed a goal and an assist, highlighting offensive synergy for the Destroyers.

The Destroyers’ road shutout victory reinforces their championship aspirations, while the Cougars are left to regroup after an offensively challenged night on home ice.