The Rochester Junior Americans 18U team defeated the St. Lawrence Thunder 5-4 in overtime to win the 2014 Rochester Midget Invitational Championship.

Nicholas Pulli scored the game winner for Rochester, who stormed back from a 2-0 first period deficit to take a 4-3 lead in the third period. St. Lawrence scored a late equalizer to force the extra period, but Pulli’s third goal of the game allowed Rochester to hoist the trophy in their first pre-season tournament.

Rochester cruised through preliminary play, going 4-0-0 while scoring 35 goals. Goalies Alex Johnston and Sean Kuhn anchored a dominating defense, allowing just four goals in preliminary play. The playoffs saw Johnston earn a shutout in the semi-finals against West Seneca as well.

“Both goalies provided consistent play while having timely saves when needed,” said assistant coach John Cullen. “Alex and Sean are both working hard in preparing for the season and this weekend was a big step in their development heading into the USPHL season.”

Rochester begins USPHL play on September 13th against the Bay State Breakers.