Panthers edge Huskies 2-1

(Halifax, NS) The Saint Mary's Huskies fell 2-1 to the UPEI Panthers in AUS women's hockey action Saturday night at the Halifax Civic Arena.

The Huskies dominated the opening minutes of the first period, with their defence pinching at every opportunity. The Panthers didn't get a shot on net until over eight minutes into the game.

After that, play was fairly even, with both teams finding chances to score.

Saint Mary's came close on a two on one with Sydney England (Chamcook, NB) passing across to Laura Horwood (Grandfalls-Windsor, NL). At the other end of the ice, Taylor Gillis (Summerside, PEI) hit the crossbar and Jenna Pellerin (Halifax, NS) had a good chance after a rebound off the end boards from a shot from Sophie Vandale (Winnipeg, MB).

Nobody, however, was able to score and the first period ended 0-0.

PEI opened the scoring at 6:11 of the second period. Gillis put a weak shot through a SMU defense. Goalie Rebeca Clark (Keswick, ON) made the save, but Delaney Boehm (East St. Paul, MB) put in the rebound.

The Panthers added another goal late in the period. Boehm scored her second of the game at 16:37, sending in a wrist shot from outside the ringette line that snuck under the glove of Clark.

The Huskies responded quickly, scoring on the next shift to draw within one. Brooke Murphy (Balla Philip, NB) tallied her first of the year, using a PEI defence as a screen to beat goalie Camille Scherger (Lloydminster, AB) with a wrist shot. Mary McDonald (Calgary, AB) had the assist.

UPEI went into the second intermission leading 2-1.

The third period was full of back and forth action, but the Huskies were unable to push the game into overtime. Pulling their goalie, they had several chances with the extra attacker, including a high shot from Taylor Keeping (Hackett's Cove, NS) that nearly bounced in with 15 seconds left on the clock.

Time ran out, however, and the Panthers took this one 2-1.

Scoring both goals for the Panthers, the Subway Player of the Game was Delaney Boehm.

Next up, UPEI will look to continue their three-game win streak when they play Dalhousie on November 23 in Halifax, and Saint Mary's travels to Antigonish to play StFX on Wednesday, November 21^st.

Sarah Moore, SMU Communications

Photo Nick Pearce