Campbell River Storm goaltender Kaeden Serpa delivered a flawless performance, stopping all 32 shots he faced to backstop his team to a 2-0 victory over the Peninsula Panthers in Game 5 of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) championship on Tuesday night.
The game remained scoreless through two periods as both goaltenders stood tall. Peninsula’s Hunter Farrer turned aside 27 of 28 shots in a strong effort, but the Panthers couldn't solve Serpa at the other end.
The deadlock was finally broken late in the third when Jan-Felix Faupel found the back of the net with just over two minutes remaining, igniting the visiting Campbell River bench.
Faupel's goal gave him a share of the league lead in playoff goals with nine, along with a VIJHL-best 21 postseason points.
With the Panthers pressing for the equalizer in the final moments, Draedan Bear sealed the win with an empty-netter with 29 seconds left.
Serpa earned first-star honours for his shutout, while Faupel’s game-winner secured him second-star recognition. Despite the loss, Farrer was named the game’s third star for his 27-save performance.
Game 6 is set for Wednesday night in Campbell River, where the Storm will look to complete their comeback and hoist the Brent Patterson Memorial Trophy.
A potential Game 7 would take place on Friday night at Panorma Recreation Centre.
