The Dalhousie Tigers women's hockey team picked up a win against UPEI on Friday night when hosting the Panthers at the Halifax Forum.
The Panthers began the game with the first flurry of chances on the Tigers goal just two minutes in, but Grace Beer (Oakville, ON) was able to keep it scoreless early on. The first period had a lot of speed with both teams getting chances on the rush, however, it was the Tigers putting on the pressure halfway through. Abby Wamboldt (Hammonds Plains, NS) had a great opportunity alone out front for Dalhousie but was denied by a toe stop from Erin Cabaday (Oakville, ON) to keep it tied. With five minutes remaining in the opening frame, the Tigers got the game's first powerplay opportunity with a chance to open the scoring. Despite putting plenty of pucks on the net, including a great shot from Emma Bishop (Bedford, NS) that hit the post, the Panthers were able to kill the penalty thanks to some big saves from Cabaday. Dalhousie kept pushing for the first goal after the powerplay expired, but UPEI was able to shut it down to keep it a 0-0 game going into the second period.
The Panthers continued to push for offence to start the middle frame with two grade-A opportunities for Brooklyn Paisley (Shawnigan Lake, BC) just several minutes in, both stopped by big saves from Cabaday. Five minutes in, Dalhousie's pressure was rewarded with their second powerplay of the evening. This time around the Panthers penalty killers did a good job limiting pucks toward their net and were able to kill the penalty without much damage done. The Tigers remained relentless however and continued to occupy the Panthers' zone. With about 10 minutes left, Gabrielle Noordijk found an open lane and was able to place a great shot in the top corner for a 1-0 Dalhousie lead. Just moments later, UPEI got their first powerplay opportunity of the evening with a great chance to tie the game. Unable to capitalize, the Panthers would head right back to the powerplay with another shot to get on the board before the end of the period. UPEI was able to challenge Beer with a few more looks toward the Dalhousie net but they were all stopped to preserve a 1-0 Tigers lead going into the third.
The Panthers started the final period with yet another powerplay and were almost able to convert with a back-door opportunity, but Beer was able to reach across to make a great save keeping the Tigers' lead alive. Still on the same powerplay though, UPEI kept pushing and were finally rewarded with a shot from the point off the stick of Anjali Simms (Delta, BC) found the back of the net to tie the game 1-1. Moments later, the Tigers were able to respond with more offence of their own as Paisley picked up a rebound and restored the lead, making it 2-1 for Dalhousie. Then the Panthers were headed back to the powerplay and thought they had the tying goal before Beer was able to spread across and make an incredible glove stop. With about 10 minutes remaining, the Tigers headed back to another powerplay of their own, which was killed efficiently by the Panthers to keep it a one-goal game. The game saw both teams exchange a few more penalties before Dalhousie was ultimately able to hold on for the 2-1 victory.
Gabrielle Noordijk took home the player of the game award for the Tigers.
The Tigers' next game comes tomorrow night, Saturday, October 28 against the UNB Reds where they will look to extend a two-game win streak.
The Panthers' next game comes Sunday, October 29 when they host St. Thomas where they hope to get back in the win column.