The Aspen Leafs 20U team (13-2) took sole possession of first place in the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League standings, riding a 5-1 win over the Colorado Thunderbirds Friday night at the Ice Garden.  Charlie Van Allen opened up the scoring 7:45 into the first period off a feed from fellow Aspen native Garrett McNichol.  A minute later a streaking Hayden Knight shot a laser from the top of the circle beating the Thunderbirds goaltender before he had a chance to move. With just over two minutes remaining in the first period, defenseman Viacheslav Goev rifled a slap shot from the blue line, collecting his fifth goal (20th point) on the season. 

In the second period, the game settled into a fast paced chess match, as the Thunderbirds played a solid containment game neutralizing the Leafs explosive offense.  It took a power-play goal in the third period, Hayden Knight’s second of game, to extend the Leafs lead to 4-0.  After giving up a power-play goal midway through the final stanza, Trent Luby finished the night on a winning note, cashing in on a rebound with just under five minutes remaining in the game.  Goaltender Mike Cowell recorded his 6th win of the season, stopping 18 shots. 

In a game that faced a 90-minute delay due to inclement weather, Head Coach Jay Miller was satisfied with the team’s performance and ability to control the pace.  “I was very pleased with our start.  We were able to establish our forecheck early and maintain pressure throughout the game.  Our challenge now is turning the page on this win, and preparing for a stronger effort tomorrow night against a solid young hockey team.”  Wearing their new home green jerseys Friday night, the Leafs outshot the Thunderbirds 40-19.  Both teams return Saturday night for game two of the weekend series.