GUELPH, Ont. - With only two games remaining on their schedule before the December break, the Guelph Gryphons were looking to create some momentum heading into the month long gap. Hosting the Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks Wednesday night, the Gryphons completed the first half of that process picking up a 2-1 win in overtime at the Gryphon Centre. In a competitive contest that needed more than just sixty minutes, it was ultimately 4th-year defenceman, Sophie Rodenburg's slap shot that sealed the Gryphon's victory.
With two of their last three games having gone to overtime, Guelph has become accustomed to playing beyond just the regular three periods of regulation, which came in to play again on Wednesday.
Early on in the game, it was the visitors who were able to get on the scoreboard first. Only 2:46 into the opening period, Laurier's Jaden Head pounced on a loose puck before finding the back of the Guelph net. While the Golden Hawks lead was carried through much of the first period, the Gryphons would not allow them to take it into the intermission. With 2:32 remaining in the first frame, Gabriele Underwood found the puck on top of the Laurier crease and was able to get it past Golden Hawk's goalie Cohen Myers to tie the game 1-1 after one.
In the second, the home team was able to apply a lot of the pressure that took place. Generating seven shots, while more importantly holding their opponents to just five, Guelph was able to create a few chances in the Laurier zone while minimizing them in their own. However, neither goalie would allow any of the 12 shots to get past them as the score remained tied 1-1 heading to the third period.
As the final frame of regulation began, the Gryphons really raised their game. Holding the Golden Hawks to just one shot all period long, Guelph was able to keep most of the play out of their end and deep into Laurier territory. Unfortunately, for the Gryphons the eight shots they directed at Myers were not enough to break the deadlock and still the game remained 1-1 after sixty minutes.
Having secured one point in the standings already, Guelph came in to the overtime session and made sure they would wind up with the extra one as well. Thanks to a couple of wonderful saves from goalie Alexandrea Davidson, the Gryphons were able to extend the game long enough for Rodenburg to work her magic. After Lauren Ianni fed Rodenburg the puck at the Laurier blue-line, the defenceman fired a slap-shot to the back of the Golden Hawk's net to seal Guelph's victory.
In the game, the Gryphons out-shot the Golden Hawks 28-18. On the power-play, both teams finished the contest 0/3.
The Gryphons will now wrap up the 2019 portion of their OUA regular season schedule this weekend. On Saturday, Guelph will head to Windsor to take on the Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30pm.
