Guelph, Ont. - On Sunday (Dec. 28) the Gryphons Women's Hockey team returned to action after the Christmas break in fashion, skating to a 2-1 win against the Alberta Pandas who are currently ranked #4 in the CIS.
The first period looked like the players had been off for as long as they had. Both teams were a little sluggish, and had trouble executing. The Pandas out-shot the Gryphons 5-2 in the frame, the low shot total reflecting the rust both teams had from the layoff.
The speed picked up in the 2nd period with the Gryphons getting on the scoreboard first with a bullet wrister from Kaitlin Lowy (Toronto, Ont.) that went off the cross bar and in. The turning point in the game came several minutes later when the Pandas, gaining momentum after surrendering the goal drew two minor penalties on the same play. Despite the 5 on 3 for a full two minutes, and likely reflective of not having a practice before their first game in almost a month, the Pandas were unable to score. Almost immediately after killing the 5 on 3, first year defender Katherine Bailey (Lucan, Ont.) intercepted a pass in the neutral zone and converted the turnover into a scoring chance. The chance was completed with another laser beam wrist shot up high, this time to the blocker side and delivered by veteran scorer Christine Grant (Mississauga, Ont.).
The second goal would prove large, as the Pandas were able to convert an odd man attack later in the frame. A 3 on 2 resulted in a beautiful goal, shot just over the pad of the Gryphon goaltender and off the post low blocker from Alberta forward Tess Houston (Winnipeg, MB).
The pace of the game kept up for the third with Alberta really pushing for the equalizer.
Steph Nehring (Oshawa, Ont.) had to make several key stops to keep the game at 2-1 as the Gryphons found it difficult to escape Alberta's pressure.
With the goalie out for the extra attacker Guelph's defence was able to outlast the game clock and the Gryph's escaped with the 2-1 win. Nehring turned away 23 of the 24 shots sent her way on the day and was named player of the game.
This game marked the first of four exhibition games being held at the University of Guelph between December 28-30, with four schools (Guelph, Alberta, Laurier and Nipissing) looking for a tune-up before conference play resumes in the New Year. The Gryphons will be in action again on Tuesday (Dec. 30) when they take on OUA rival Laurier at 3pm. All four exhibition games and start times are listed below (note: all games are played at the Gryphon Centre)...
Dec. 28: Guelph 2 - Alberta 1
Dec. 29: Alberta vs. Laurier - 3pm
Dec. 30: Alberta vs. Nipissing - 12pm, Guelph vs. Laurier - 3pm
