- (Tom Bateman/AQ)
It was the second time that the STU women’s hockey team faced the women from UPEI, and the beginning intensity drew the attention of every spectator cheering enthusiastically for the Tommies.
A flurry of goals occurred in the first five minutes of the first period.
First, Courtney Fox’s goal gave the Tommies the first advantage in the game. Then, the puck was flipped over Kristin Wolfe’s shoulder, and UPEI tied up the score 1-1. Jordan Miller came right back with the second goal-scoring opportunity which she put away. The first period ended with STU leading 2-1, and dominating the shots on goal.
However, in the second period, the game became more aggressive with an increase in penalty minutes. STU had the first chance to capitalize on a 5 on 3 powerplay with two of the opposing players in the penalty box.
However, they could not penetrate the UPEI defence nor keep UPEI from scoring 3 more goals after a successful double penalty kill.
The STU defense was working hard, but the big UPEI players moved efficiently to create screens that blinded the goalie during all shots on goal.
Kristin Wolfe defended her goal with stellar speed and a permanent smile of positivity. The second period ended with STU trailing UPEI 4-2, and nearly non-existent on the shot totals.
STU Women’s Hockey team lost confidence despite their increased battle against the PEI team in the third period. However, there were more penalties than shots fired on goal, and the UPEI team used this to their advantage, and never gave up their increasing confidence and intensity to ensure their victory over STU 7-2.
Despite losing both games played during this weekend, coach Peter Murphy still appeared positive and encouraging of his young team.
His job in this week’s practice drills will be “to correct the repeated errors of this young team”.
In comparing how his team played throughout the weekend, he thought that “the girls played better against UPEI” with their strong beginning, but no team can be taken lightly in this season’s opponents. The girls were in the midst of a slow, cool-down run to try to elevate their spirits and eliminate any frustrations or disappointments after the game. However, as Wolfe commented, “she and her defence did what they could, but they could not move their BIG opponents out of the way!”
