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Huskies defeat Moncton Aigles Bleues in double OT to advance to AUS semifinal
Posted: Feb 18, 2023

Huskies defeat Moncton Aigles Bleues in double OT to advance to AUS semifinal

Photos Box Score
Scoring Summary
1st - 14:10 - Shae Demale (Saint Mary's)
2nd - 04:21 - Shani Rossignol (Moncton)
3rd - 06:48 - Shani Rossignol (Moncton)
3rd - 13:21 - PP - Aimee O'Neill (Saint Mary's)
5 - 07:42 - Shae Demale (Saint Mary's)
Game Leaders
Moncton
G: Shani Rossignol - 2
A: Erica Plourde - 1
Sh: Shani Rossignol - 12
Sv: Annick Boudreau - 42
Saint Mary's
G: Shae Demale - 2
A: 2 Players (#19, #20) - 2
Sh: Shae Demale - 8
Sv: Ridleigh Hansen - 24
Team Stats
Full stats

HALIFAX, NS- Saint Mary's forward Shae Demale scored 3:48 into double overtime to give the Huskies a 3-2 win over the Moncton Aigles Bleues and punch their ticket into the AUS semifinal.

The first period saw the Huskies offense struggle as they took two penalties early and mid-way through the period. The Aigles Bleues, as they came off their second powerplay of the game, started to gain momentum, with forward Maritza Labrie (Laval, QC) taking a shot that saw Huskies goaltender Ridleigh Hansen (Red Deer, AB) struggle to gain control of the rebound.   

It would be Huskies defender Eve LeBlanc (Petit-Rocher, NB) that would start the play to put the Huskies on the board, putting a hard shot on net from the hash marks that saw multiple Huskies take chances at the puck, with forward Shae Demale (Red Deer, AB) able to knock the puck in net for her third playoff goal in as many games.

As the period wound down, the Aigles Bleues had a great opportunity when forward Isadora Quirion (Moonbeam, ON) fired a shot from the slot, but LeBlanc was there to block the shot.

At the end of the first period, the Huskies outshot the Aigles Bleues 11-8, heading into the intermission leading 1-0.

The Huskies started off the period strong, having multiple great chances to extend their lead, however, it would be Aigles Blueus forward Shani Rossignol (Airdrie, AB) who would find the back of the net as she chased her rebound and put the visitors on the board, tying the game 1-1.

Halfway through the second period Huskies goaltender Hansen made a big save on Aigles Bleues forward Erica Plourde (Notre Dame de Lourdes, NB), hoping to ignite a struggling Huskies offense.

As the period wound down, the Huskies offense started to settle into their rhythm, seeing Marisa McClocklin (Saskatoon, SK) with multiple shots from the point, looking for the Huskies next goal. The Aigles Bleues weren't backing down, as they continued to make their offense presence known, Huskies goaltender Hansen stood firm, making numerous big saves to keep the game tied.

As the teams headed into the second intermission, the Huskies outshot the Aigles Bleues 22-14, with the game tied 1-1.

The Huskies went onto the penalty kill early in the third period. The Huskies defense successfully killed off their penalty, with goaltender Hansen making key saves. However, seconds after their powerplay expired, Aigles Bleues forward Rossignol scored her second goal of the night, putting them in the lead 2-1.

As the third period reached the halfway mark, the Huskies forward Kate Gallant (Antigonish, NS), took a turnaround shot from the slot. However, Aigles Bleues goaltender Annick Boudreau (Memramcook, NB) would be there to stop it. The Huskies continued their offense push on the powerplay, as Huskies forward Ellen Laurence (Kentville, NS) put the puck on the net, and Aimee O'Neill (Glace Bay, NS) was there to pounce on the rebound, putting it in the back of the net, to tie the game 2-2.

"We were finishing off the powerplay and a little tired, but it was more off the rush than setting up which is nice to try sometimes to catch them off guard, and Ellen threw it in front and I was just in the right place in the right time," said O'Neill post-game.

As the final minutes of the third period ticked down, Aigles Bleues goaltender Boudreau faced a barrage of shots from the Huskies, however, they stood firm, keeping the score tied, ensuring the team headed to overtime.

The Huskies started the overtime period strong, controlling most of the play in the Aigles Bleues zone. The Huskies offense continued to pour the shots on net however, Aigles Bleues goaltender Boudreau stood firm, keeping the game tied.

As the first overtime period came to a close, both teams were looking for the go-ahead goal. However, it would remain scoreless, sending the teams into the second overtime period.

As the fifth period progressed, the Huskies offense were looking for the game-winner, and it would be Huskies forward Demale who would bring the puck out from behind the net to score the game-winner for the Huskies.

"I honestly don't remember anything," laughed Demale post-game. "I remember seeing the puck pop out and next thing I knew it was behind the goalie. It was pretty exciting though."

The Huskies outshot the Aigles Bleues 45-26, with Hansen making 24 saves for the win, while Boudreau turned away 42 of 45 shots faced.

Huskies forward Aimee O'Neill was named Subway Player of the Game, contributing a goal and two assists in the decisive game three win.

"We're all super excited and it's really nice to be rewarded, especially after five periods of play tonight," said O'Neill postgame. "We knew it wasn't going to be easy and it would come down to who wanted it more tonight."

The Huskies win sees them move on to the AUS semifinals, where they will play the #2 seed STFX X-Women in Antigonish this coming week.

"I think we definitely need some rest here, and once we get a couple days rest we'll turn our focus to StFX and be ready to go," said Demale, who now leads the AUS Playoffs in goals (4) and points (6).

Recap by Alyson Duffy / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics