The No. 10 nationally ranked York University Lions women's hockey team defeated the Queen's Gaels with a score of 3-1 at Canlan Ice Sports on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to three games.
The first period started off electric with the Lions scoring first in the opening seconds of the game from forward
Courtney Gardiner, assisted by
Taylor Davison. The Gaels were quick to answer back with a goal of their own from Quinn Johnston assisted by Hannah De Coutere.
Shortly after the Lions were on a powerplay and thanks their goalie,
Lauren Dubie, they were able to shut the Gaels out. The period ended with a 1-1 tie.
The second commenced and tension was at an all-time high with plenty of shots on net from both sides. Davison had a fantastic chance at the top of the blue line that just went wide by a hair.
The Lions' hard work finally paid off with a goal from forward
Kelsey McHolm at 12:54 of the period. Queen's received back-to-back penalties late in the frame but the Lions continued to press and, thanks to Dubie's performance, kept the puck out of the net. At the other end of the ice, forward
Taylor Coward had a great shot on net but it was saved by Gaels goaltender Makenzy Arsenault to close the period. The Lions were leading the Gaels 2-1 on home ice.
The Lions aimed to keep the pressure on with the powerplay they had early in the period. Forward
Kara Washer fired a great shot on the top of the blue line that just went wide in the Gaels end. Coward had a tremendous breakaway opportunity midway through the period but her shot was saved.
The Gaels came back and were applying pressure on the Lions and had multiple shots on the net, including a two-on-one in front of the net but could not score.
In the final seconds of the game forward
Avery Reeves scored an empty netter to seal the deal giving the Lions a 3-1 finish.
This win now gives the Lions a 3-0-1-0 record on the season and they will put that mark to the test when they face off against the Brock Badgers this Thursday in St. Catharine's, Ont., at 7:15pm.
