By Kyle LaRusic
(Halifax, NS) – In Friday night women's hockey action, the Dalhousie Tigers hosted the St. Thomas Tommies at the Halifax Forum. The Tommies won 4-1.
The first period started off quickly with each side coming out with plenty of speed. The first big scoring chance came from the Tommies, with Emily Oleksiuk (Thunder Bay, ON) firing it on net on a partial breakaway. However, Fabiana Petricca (Woodbridge, ON) was able to stay with it and made a strong save.
Play continued at a fast pace with goaltenders on both sides making key saves. After a Tigers turnover behind their own net, Mariah Carey (Avonport, NS) was able to pick up the loose puck. She wrapped around the front of the net and put the puck in the back of the net on a quick snapshot to give the Tommies a 1-0 lead.
Moments later, the Tigers almost capitalized on a Tommies turnover. Kennedy Whelan (Alliston, ON) had a great look at the doorstep but Marandee Hunter (Chatham, ON) was able to hold the line and keep the puck out of the net.
In an effort to break even, the Tigers began generating high scoring opportunities by trying to create traffic in front of the net. Olivia Reid (Aurora, ON) picked up a tripping penalty, sending the Tigers to the power play.
After putting several shots on net, the Tigers were able to get on the scoreboard. Taylor Joyce (Halifax, NS) picked up a beautiful saucer pass from Natalie Stanwood (West Vancouver, BC) and was able to shoot it past Hunter to knot the game at one heading into the intermission.
The second period started with a Tommies face off win where they immediately pushed the puck into the offensive zone. They put on pressure down low and after an awkward bounce, Erin Arsenault (Oakville, ON) scored her first career AUS goal.
The Tommies did not let up as moments later, they found themselves with another scoring chance. After the initial save was made, Olivia Reid was able to score off a rebound to put her team up by a pair.
Looking for more, The Tommies continued pressure In the Tigers zone. Although they had several chances to extend the lead, Petricca was able to make big saves when needed.
After being, pressured for most of the period, the Tigers found themselves with a fantastic scoring chance. They began putting on pressure of their own which set up Alix Yallowega (Winnipeg, MB) in front of the net off a Tommies turnover. She fired a great shot on net however Hunter made a better save and kept the lead at two goals.
Using their newfound momentum, the Tigers were able to get a formidable forecheck going which eventually led to a power play. As the power play expired, a scramble was created in front of the net where Hunter made three saves in a row to keep the Tigers down two going into the third.
As it was throughout the game, strong goaltending told the story to start the third. Both teams had good chances to change the score however big saves were made on both sides of the ice.
After dealing with early pressure from the Tommies, Alix Yallowega was sent off for hooking. The Tommies were able to create good scoring chances, but the Tigers stood strong and were able to kill the penalty.
After continued pressure, the Tommies were able to net their fourth goal of the game. The Tommies were able to get a strong shot off the point and it was redirected by Lauren Legault (Winnipeg, MB) to beat Petricca blocker side. Trying to create a bit of momentum, Taylor Beam (Brooklin, ON) was put in net for the Tigers.
Pressure continued in the Tigers zone as the Tommies did not let up. Beam was up to the challenge though as she held off the barrage of shots thrown her way.
The Tigers were able to create minor scoring chances through the reminder of the period but were unable to find the back of the net. The Tommies were able to pick up the 4-1 win on the road.
Marandee Hunter earned Subway Player of the Game honours behind her 37 save performance.
The Tigers will take on cross-town rivals Saint Mary's Huskies next Wednesday while the Tommies will conclude their two-game road trip against the X-Women tomorrow night.