The U18 Rep Highland Storm put on an explosive offensive performance Dec. 5, earning a well-deserved 6–3 victory over the visiting Upper York squad. With a packed crowd in the stands at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena and plenty of energy in the building, the Storm came out flying from the opening puck drop.
The Storm wasted no time establishing momentum, striking three times in the first period. Brody Hartwig opened the scoring less than six minutes into the game, finishing off a tight passing play for the early lead. Just seconds later, Hartwig buried his second of the night on another strong drive to the net. He completed the natural hat trick at 8:24 of the first, giving the Storm full control of the pace while the home crowd erupted.
The second period saw Upper York push back with a hard surge, scoring three unanswered goals to tie the game 3–3 midway through the frame. Despite the momentum swing, the Storm bench remained calm and composed. Strong defensive shifts from Evan Jones, Parker Simms, Mason Gibson, Evan Shee and Matthew Scheffee helped settle the play, while goaltender Nolan Taylor made several important stops to keep the game from tipping further.
The Storm’s response came quickly. At 7:32 of the second, Jack Tomlinson tipped in a shot from Caleb Manning to restore the Storm’s lead, shifting momentum firmly back in their favour. From there, the home team tightened up defensively and began controlling zone time once again.
In the third period, the Storm pulled away for good. Jace Mills extended the lead at 6:21, ripping a shot past the Upper York goaltender. Minutes later, Chace Comer sealed the game with a beautifully placed finish at 8:35, capping off an excellent forechecking shift.
It was a complete team effort—physical, fast, and disciplined when it mattered. With this 6–3 win, the U18 Rep Highland Storm continue to build confidence and momentum as their season progresses.
