It doesn’t happen often, but the Parkland ice hockey team found itself trailing after one period of action. But the deficit didn’t last long as the Trojans scored four unanswered goals, three of which came in a pivotal second period comeback as Parkland defeated Easton 8-3 last Monday night in Lehigh Valley Scholastic Ice Hockey League action at the Lehigh Valley Ice Rink.

The Trojans (13-0-1 overall, 27 points) tallied three second period goals after falling behind 2-1 following the opening period of play, and remained in first place in the league table with the victory.

“We skated hard in practice the night before, so I think it just took us a little time to get our legs underneath us,” said Trojan head coach Chad Loomis. “Falling behind created a sense of urgency. But the team played hard and fought to come back.”

Parkland recorded the game’s opening goal, via Hunter Dolon six minutes and 32 seconds into the game and it looked as if the Trojans were well on their way to another comfortable win.

But the Red Rovers (0-14-2, two points), who currently sit in last place in the league, did not go down easily. They scored back-to-back goals within a 1:28 span of each other and took a lead 2-1 with 4:05 left in the first.

“This Easton team has improved over the course of the season,” Loomis said. “I think they kind of caught us on our heels early. They did some good things to get ahead and skated hard, but we were able to execute our plan and get the win in the end.”

Parkland then came out in the second period and took back the lead thanks to three straight goals from three different players, as Dolon, Eric Dennis and Alex Doe all found the back of the net as the Trojans went up 4-1 heading into the final frame.

Dennis added another one to his team-leading tallies just 1:57 into the third period for a 5-1 advantage. After Easton got one back, Parkland ended the game scoring three more, thanks to Doe, Luke McKeon and Josh Bower.

“We always know we have to bring our best game every game,” said Loomis. “That keeps us sharp, knowing that we’re going to get the opposing team’s best shot every night.”

Colby Rosen finished with eight saves. Parkland outshot Easton 35-11 overall.

Parkland next plays on Friday, Jan. 31, against second-place Phillipsburg at the Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem.