Missing their regular goaltender, who was out with an injury and with only 12 runners available, the U18 Mid Island Lightning had to make some changes and make do when they travelled to Campbell River last Sunday to face the North Island Rage.
Runner Jace Hilton stepped up to play in goal, and did a great job, while Logan Hammerer was called up from the U15 ranks.
The Lightning got off to a strong start and led 1-0 after the first quarter on a goal by Brayden Grantham, and Hilton held the Rage to just two goals in the second quarter. As the game wore on, the Lightning ran out of steam and the Rage gathered momentum, and when the final whistle blew, it was 12-6 for North Island.
Hunter Hieta finished with two goals, while Grantham, Dawson Webb, Kyle Page and Jacob Taylor had one each. Taylor Smith had two assists, and Page and Jack Sanderson had one apiece.
Mid Island will meet North Island again this weekend for a doubleheader at the Cowichan Sportsplex at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.