Fredericton, NB - This rivalry hockey night was one to watch with both teams trying to get another game in the win column. The Saint Mary's Huskies fought tooth and nail to keep their lead throughout the game and would hold it to secure the 4-1 victory over the St. Thomas Tommies. This win for the Huskies wouldn't have been possible without a star performance from goaltender Dagny Hudspeth (Burlington, ON) making 21 saves and keeping the Huskies lead.
The Huskies were off to a hot start in the first period as they put the pressure on early giving the Tommies no breaks. The Huskies offense wouldn't lead to nothing as they would get the first goal of the game halfway through the first period. They would score another goal late in the first by Mary MacDonald (Calgary, AB) giving the Huskies a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
The second period was host to plenty of opportunities on both ends, as both teams had multiple powerplays but neither being able to capitalize. Five on five was just as action packed with a flurry of chances, but none were able to sneak their way behind either teams' goaltender.
The third and final frame would continue without missing a beat, with both teams generating offense. The Huskies, however, would increase their lead with a goal from Siobhan Birch (Mississauga, ON), beating Caroline Pietroski (Etobicoke, ON). Despite being down 3-0 the Tommies wouldn't go quietly, as they would respond with a quick goal of their own, scored by Aislynn Byers (Melancthon, ON) to keep this a two-goal game. After the Tommies' first goal they had a fire burning under them, they would continue this pressure which led to them getting a goal, but it being waved off upon further review from the officials. The Tommies would pull their goalie late in the third to try and get another but to no avail, as the Huskies would score an empty netter finishing the game off 4-1.
Tommies' team captain, Alexandra Woods (Courtice, ON), had this to say after their loss to the Huskies. "Even when we're down a couple goals everyone is still really confident in cheering their teammates on, it's just taking these games as a learning experience and moving forward into the next with a positive mindset."
"The bench was still going; the girls took it as 'hey we're close' and seeing it that way was good," said Tommies' head coach, Peter Murphy, on team morale after their goal being called back in the third period.
You can catch the Tommies next game on Friday November 19th against UPEI at 7:00 PM AST, and the Huskies next on Sunday November 14th Against UdeM at 3:00 PM AST.
Recap: Brock Johnson
Photo: SRM Photography