Panthers hold on to defeat Tigers 2-1

Game recap by: Nathan Cooper

(HALIFAX, NS) The Dalhousie Tigers (4-7-2) hosted the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers (6-4-1) is some Friday night AUS hockey action. The Panthers eventually outlasted the Tigers, defeating them 2-1.

Rachel Colle (Toronto, ON) won the opening face-off for the Panthers and the game was underway. In the opening eight minutes of play, the pace of the game was very quick. Tigers goaltender Fabiana Petricca (Woodbridge, ON) and Panthers goaltender Camile Scherger (Llyodminster, AB) were both put under some pressure early.

Jenna Pellerin (Halifax, NS) was given a 2-minute penalty for tripping with about 6 minutes left in the first period. The Tigers made a few dangerous attacks in the early moments of the power-play, but a Tigers turnover on the Panthers blue line lead to Kaylee Dufresne (Orleans, ON) making a great move down the right wing, putting the first goal of the game through Petricca's five-hole. The short-handed goal was assisted by Kristen Macintyre (Sydney, NS) and Emma Weatherbie (Charlottetown, PE).

A few moments later, Brooklyn Paisley (Shawnigan Lake, BC) was given a minor for interference. The Panthers were quick to take advantage of the power-play, as Colle bagged the second of the game. The Panthers outshot the Tigers nine to seven in the first period.

As the second period began, the flow of play went back and forth on both ends. With seven and a half minutes gone in the second, Bobbi Strople (Halifax, NS) was given a 2-minute penalty for delay of game. The Panthers pressed high in the Tigers zone, but Petricca was solid in net making two great saves to keep the deficit only two goals.

The Tigers were cut a break when the Panthers were given a 2-minute penalty for too many skaters on the ice, which allowed for a full minute of four on four play. The Tigers took advantage of this four on four, as Annika Rose (North Vancouver, BC) scored to make it a 2-1 game.

Paisley added some great pressure late in the second period, to force Sydney Lyndon (Stittsville, ON) to a hooking penalty. The Tigers created a few threats in the Panthers zone, but the away team was able to kill the penalty and close out the second period still maintaining a 2-1 lead. 

As the third period began, it was the Panthers that were on the early press. Petricca was forced to make a couple big saves in the first minute of play to keep it a one-goal game. The pace of play severely slowed down in the next five minutes of play.

The Panthers were awarded a 2-minute power play when Natalie Stanwood (West Vancouver) was called for hooking. The Panthers did well to keep the puck in the Tigers end for almost the entire two minutes, but Abigail Shearer (Falmouth, NS) and Katrina Mitton (Brantford, ON) performed brilliantly not giving the Panthers an inch of breathing room and killed the penalty. 

The Tigers seemed to find another gear about halfway through the period. Corinne Desjardins make a great evasive move avoiding two defenders, but Scherger made a solid stick save to keep the Panthers in front. With eight minutes left in the period, Petricca made a great glove save off of a powerful slap-shot from Taylor Gillis. 

With only six minutes left in the game, both teams were on full throttle. The Tigers were skating well and looking hungry for an equalizing goal. The Panthers were standing strong defensively and the Tigers eventually ran out of time, giving the Panthers the 2-1 victory.

Subway Player of the Game was awarded to Panthers goaltender Scherger. 

The Tigers play this Sunday at home against the Reds, while the Panthers take on the X-Women on Sunday as well.