EDMONTON, AB — After battling to tie the game in the third period against the Saskatchewan Huskies, the Griffins gave up the lead just 1:15 later and couldn't mount another comeback as the Huskies won 2-1 on Friday night at the Downtown Community Arena.
The Huskies were led by goals from Kendra Zuchotzki and Kelsey Hall, while Camryn Drever made 12 saves in the win for Saskatchewan. Brianna Sank was incredible in net for MacEwan, making 30 saves.
The opening period was scoreless, despite the Huskies controlling most of the play, outshooting the Griffins 11-2, but Sank was stellar between the pipes to keep it 0-0.
MacEwan had a much stronger second period, as they started to get some more pressure towards Drever. But Saskatchewan was able to score with just 53 seconds left in the period.
Paris Oleksyn's shot from the slot hit the post and moments later Zuchotzki's shot from the top of the circle beat Sank to give the the Huskies the 1-0 lead.
MacEwan continued to battle and Maria Ayre's goal at the 7:17 mark tied the game. The rookie made a nice play give-and-go in the neutral zone and with linemate Mila Verbicky, and she beat Drever short-side to tie things up 1-1.
The game didn't stay tied for long as just moments later the Huskies took advantage of an unlucky bounce off a Griffins pass in the neutral zone. That bounce led to the game-winning goal on a breakaway from Hall, netting her first goal of the season unassisted.
"I think it was unfortunate they got that bounce that led to their second goal, but they're a good team, and they capitalized on that chance," said Griffins captain Sydney Hughson. We worked hard, and our PK was really good, we just have to execute better offensively."
Saskatchewan remains undefeated early in the season at 3-0, while the loss moves MacEwan to a 1-2 record.
NEXT UP
The Huskies return to the ice in Edmonton on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM for game two of their series on the road against the Griffins. Fans can listen live on HuskieFan.ca or tune into the live stream on CanadaWest.TV.
