BENSENVILLE,Ill.- In an exciting crosstown showdown at The Edge Ice Arena, the Chicago Crush Elite and the Chicago Cougars battled fiercely, with the Crush ultimately claiming a 4-3 victory in a nail-biting shootout.
From the first puck drop, the atmosphere was charged with intensity, and the fans were treated to a spectacle of hockey prowess. The opening period set the tone for the game, as both teams showcased their offensive capabilities. The Crush drew first blood early on, with Joseph Coglianese finding the back of the net just 2 minutes and 51 seconds into the game, assisted by Austin Kessel and Will Soldano. The Cougars quickly responded, as Machala capitalized on an opportunity at the 5:01 mark, leveling the score. The Cougars continued their momentum on the power play, with Tourtillott sniping one past Crush goaltender Tyler Siuda to give the home team a 2-1 lead.
The penalty box saw its fair share of action in the first period, with both teams committing to physical play. However, neither side managed to convert on the power play opportunities, leaving the score unchanged heading into the second frame.
The second period proved to be just as intense, with both teams exchanging blows. The Cougars extended their lead with a goal from Schulz at 16:23. Still, the Crush responded with a late-period surge, as Brody Luzbetak and Jaden Yuknis netted two quick goals in the dying minutes. Luzbetak's goal came with just 16 seconds left on the clock, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and the scoreboard reading 3-3 after two periods.
The third period and overtime were marked by outstanding goaltending and solid defensive efforts from both teams. Tyler Siuda for the Crush and Dillard for the Cougars made critical saves to keep the score level, setting the stage for a dramatic shootout.
In the shootout, Joseph Coglianese and Jack Martino scored for the Crush, while Lind was the lone Cougar to find the back of the net. Tyler Siuda's stellar performance between the pipes proved crucial, securing the Crush's 4-3 shootout victory over their crosstown rivals.
The game was a testament to the resilience and skill of both teams, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between the Chicago Crush and the Chicago Cougars. The Edge Ice Arena witnessed a hard-fought battle, and the Crush emerged victorious, etching their mark on USPHL history.
Both teams will face-off again this Saturday at the Addison Ice Arena. Get your tickets at HERE or if you can’t make the game, be sure to catch all the action live on FloHockey.tv!Â