Tigers fall to Panthers

Recap by Chelsea Norris, Dalhousie Athletics

Halifax, N.S. – The UPEI Panthers defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 4-1 at the Halifax Forum on Friday night.

It was a quiet opening period for both teams with only one penalty called and no goals despite the shots being 7-5 for the Panthers.

Halfway through the second period, the Tigers went to the box for the second time in the game. Quality passing from the Panthers in front of the Tigers net put the puck on the stick of Stephanie Leger (Memramcook, NB), who slotted it home. Anjali Simms (Delta, BC) and Ashley McCutcheon (Kitchner, ON) recorded the assists.

A minute and 10 seconds later, the Panthers extended their lead to 2-0 off an unassisted Lexie Murphy (Kensington, PE) goal.

McCutcheon recorded her second point of the game midway through the third period to put the Panthers up 3-0. Kaiya Maracle and Leger earned the assists.

A spark appeared within the Dalhousie team shortly after the third Panther goal. Brooklyn Paisley (Shawnigan Lake, BC) clawed one back for the Tigers. Off the re-start Dalhousie continued to push for a second goal with some high intensity play.

The Tigers pulled goalie Grace Beer with one minute to go in an effort to tie the game. It was not meant to be though, as Sophie Bujold scored an empty net goal with 41 second to go.

McCutcheon was named the player of the game after her one-goal, one-assist performance.

The Panthers return to the ice on Saturday as they head down Robie Street to battle the SMU Huskies. Puck drop is set for 7pm.

The Tigers head to Antigonish on Sunday to face off against the X-Women at 3pm.