Gaels start 2017 with upset road win over No. 7 Nipissing 3-2
NORTH BAY, Ont. (January 6, 2017) – The Queen's Gaels (6-1-6-0) defeated the No.7 Nipissing Lakers (8-2-2-1) 3-2 on Friday afternoon in OUA women's hockey action from North Bay.
NORTH BAY, Ont. (January 6, 2017) – The Queen's Gaels (6-1-6-0) defeated the No.7 Nipissing Lakers (8-2-2-1) 3-2 on Friday afternoon in OUA women's hockey action from North Bay.
GAME FLOW
Queen's entered the game looking to avenge their playoff loss last season and a home opening loss this season.
The Gaels opened the scoring in the first period putting themselves in a good spot early against a tough opponent.
Katrina Manoukarakis (Scarborough, Ont.) scored with Megan Farrell (Barrie, Ont.) and Amber Sealey (Elora, Ont.) assisting to put Queen's ahead 1-0. Later in the period, Nipissing responded with back-to-back goals to take a 2-1 lead. Samantha Strassburger and Bronwyn Bolduc scored for the Lakers who were applying a ton of pressure on the Gaels starting goaltender Stephanie Pascal (Sudbury, Ont.).
In the second, Nadia Larocca (Mississauga, Ont.) got the Gaels even with Nipissing with assists coming from Kyla Crouse (Mount Brydges, Ont.) and Jessica Wakefield (Lucan, Ont.). The goal came with just under two minutes remaining in the period to give Queen's the momentum.
In the third period, Hailey Wilson (Pickering, Ont.) scored for the Gaels to break the deadlock. Clare McKellar (London, Ont.) and Kaylie Dennis (London, Ont.) assisted on the play which saw a point shot go through a screen in front and to the back of the net.
From there is was all Pascal as she stood on her head to keep the high scoring Nipissing offence at bay and seal the win.
Pascal stopped 24 of the 26 shots she faced, shutting down Nipissing after allowing two first period goals.
BY THE NUMBERS
0 – Power play goals despite both teams combining for six opportunities
1st – The loss for Nipissing marked their first regulation loss at home this season
3 - The Gaels picked up three points for the win in regulation and are back in the playoff picture in the OUA
UP NEXT
The Gaels take on the Laurentian Voyageurs on Saturday January 7 in Sudbury. The game begins at 3:50pm.
Source: Queen's Gaels
