GUELPH, ON – The long wait for the first goal of 2016 was worth it for the Guelph Gryphons women's hockey team, as it gave them a 1-0 overtime victory against the York Lions in OUA women's hockey action on Saturday at the Gryphon Centre.
 
Right-winger Averi Nooren found herself alone in front of the York net as time ticked away late in the extra frame. She made no mistake tucking the puck behind Lions netminder Megan Lee with only 17.1 seconds left on the clock.
 
It was the first game for the Gryphons (11-2-1) after a six-week break that spanned exams and Christmas, and they were noticeably rusty, missing on a number of good scoring chances. One that stood out in particular was a two-on-none breakaway in the second period that York's Lee easily fended off.
 
The Lions (5-6-2) weren't any more prolific with their own offence, but they were aggressive right from the opening face-off. They clearly did not look like a team that trailed Guelph by 16 points in the standings entering the game.
 
"York probably put us under the most pressure of any team we've played this year," said Gryphons head coach Rachel Flanagan.
 
"I think having not played since before Christmas, it caught us a little bit off guard with our decision making, because the game speed was really quick. It's something that'll come back; we're not concerned. It's just too bad we gave up a point today."
 
OUA women's hockey games are now worth three points for a win in regulation, but only two points for a victory in overtime or a shootout. Flanagan was disappointed at having to settle for the lesser win.
 
"It's great that we got the win, but probably not our best effort today."
 
Lee was solid in defeat for York, but not quite as good as Guelph's Stephanie Nehring, who made a successful return from an injury that kept her out of the lineup for most of the first half of the season. The fifth-year goalie made 22 saves for the shutout, her second in only three starts during this campaign.
 
"York's really had her number in the past, so it's good to get a monkey off her back and prove to the team and herself that she's ready to be back, 100 per cent," Flanagan said.
 
"She practised a little bit toward the end of the first half, but we didn't think it was comfortable for her to get into a game. She had the six weeks off to rest it and we feel like she's ready to be back in the net."
 
Nooren continued to shine for the Gryphons. The fourth-year winger collected her team-leading 10^th goal of the season. She also leads the Gryphons with 16 points this season, and extended her point streak to eight games. She has eight goals and 13 points during the streak.
 
Third-year forward Kelly Gribbons was blanked on the scoresheet and saw her own seven-game point streak come to an end.
 
Saturday's game was gritty but clean, with only one minor penalty called, on York defenceman Lauren Cavarzan for hooking early in the second period. It's the second time this season that Guelph has played a penalty-free game.
 
The final shots on goal were 23-22 for the Gryphons. They'll play again on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Gryphon Centre against the Laurier Golden Hawks, who blanked Guelph 2-0 in their first meeting back in October.
 
"We know that our effort needs to be as good or better," Flanagan said. "Laurier's in seventh place, but they play a similar style (to York). They're really relentless on their puck pursuit. And if we don't make better decisions with the puck, they've got some real talent that will put it in the back of our net."