RIDGEBACKS HAVE IMPRESSIVE DEBUT AT W-HOCKEY TOURNEY
It was a good test for the Ridgebacks as Guelph is a perennial contender for the OUA women’s hockey provincial title. Last season, the Gryphons finished with a 17-9-0-1 record, good enough for third place in the OUA.
The Ridgebacks opened up scoring in the game at the 13:55 mark of the first period. Oshawa native Katie Grant found the back of the net with Jackie McArthur (Oshawa, Ont.) and Megan Friel (Pickering, Ont.) picking up the assists. Shortly after the Ridgebacks goal, Guelph bounced back with one of their own to tie the game up at 1-1.
The teams headed into the third period still tied after a scoreless second period. With the teams trading scoring chances back and fourth throughout the third period, Guelph would eventually break the tie as they scored with 6:28 left in the game to take a 2-1 lead. Despite plenty of scoring opportunities, UOIT could not get the equalizer as Guelph would go on to the one goal victory.
UOIT freshman goalie Emma Thompson (Hastings, Ont.) made quite the impression making a number of key saves while allowing only two goals. The final shot total in the game was 35-30 in favour of Guelph.
Ridgebacks head coach Gary Pitcher was pleased with his team’s effort out of the gate as they skated with Guelph for the entire sixty minutes and matched their physical presence and intensity.
Source: Ridgebacks Athletics