Saint Mary's powers their way to 6-2 win over Panthers
The game tonight promised to be a barn burner as both the Saint Mary’s Huskies and the UPEI Panthers shared second place at the start of the game.
October 23, 2021
HALIFAX, NS—Tonight's game promised to be a barn burner as both the Saint Mary's Huskies and the UPEI Panthers shared second place at the start of the game.
The Huskies put on a dominant performance to cement their position in second place, above the Panthers.
The first period started as a cagey affair as both teams used their speed to try and poke holes in the other's defenses. UPEI Panther Bell Jacobs was given a penalty which allowed the Huskies power play to test their mettle against the best penalty killing team in the league. Before the game the Panthers had given up 23 penalties and had allowed zero power play goals for their opposition.
The Huskies were unable to capitalize on the power play, but momentum shifted in their favour. The Huskies kept the puck in PEI's zone after the penalty expired before Shae Demale (Red Deer AB / Science) tipped Maddy McCleary's (Swift Current SK / Commerce) shot into the Panther's net.
The second period started with a bang as Maddy Corbett (Sydney NS / Science) fired a rocket in from the point. The puck was tipped by Ellen Laurence (Kentville NS / Science), for a goal a minute into the second. Corbett wasn't done in the period, during a power play she faked a shot and passed it to Kara MacLean (Antigonish NS / Science). MacLean hit a one timer to beat Panther goalie Shaylin McFarlane to get a power play goal. The first the Panthers have conceded this season.
Late in the second period there was a scramble in front of the net, Panther Chiara Esposito was knocked down in a battle with Husky Eve Leblanc (Petit - Rocher NB / Science) as she jockeyed for position. The puck was going wide of the net but Esposito managed to get a stick on it and redirect it into the net. The period ended with the Husky's three goal lead being cut to two.
Huskies started the third with a goal in a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play ending with Siobhan Birch getting her first of the night. Her goal was assisted by her linemates and Miranda Hatt (Eastern Passage NS / Criminology) and Demale. Lexi Murphy scored two minutes later with a backhand which beat Ashley Imlach (Newtonville ON / Commerce) on the short side.
Huskies kept their foot on the gas and scored two more goals before the period was done. Laura Horwood got a goal and with just over four minutes left to go Birch got her second of the night. Birch's performance earned her the Subway player of the match. With her goal tonight Demale is now tied for league goal scoring leader with five.
Both teams are back in action next Friday night, with the Panthers hosting Dalhousie.
Recap: Matt Stickland
Photos: SMU Huskies Communications
