Huskies fall to X-Women 4-0 in game four of AUS semifinal

HALIFAX, NS- The Saint Mary's Huskies season came to an end as they were defeated 4-0 by the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in game four of the AUS semifinal at the Dauphinee Centre on Monday night.

Just 40 seconds into the first period, X-Women forward Chloe Vukosa (Mississauga, ON) gathered the puck down low and fired it past Huskies goaltender Sophie Scully (Ottawa, ON), putting the X-Women on the board 1-0.

A few minutes later, X-Women forward Abby Lewis (Kanata, ON) capitalized on a pass from teammate Maggy Burbidge (Falmouth, NS) from behind the net, extending the X-Women lead to 2-0.

The Huskies pressed to cut into the early deficit, and had a great opportunity when all-star forward Shae Demale (Red Deer, AB) went into the StFX zone on a one-on-one; however, X-Women goaltender Jamie Johnson (Victoria, BC) was there to shut the door.

The Huskies went on the penalty kill at the seven-minute mark, and weren't able to fend off the dangerous StFX powerplay, as defender Lauren Dabrowski (Tiny, ON) scored, putting the X-Women ahead 3-0.

The Huskies made a goaltender switch halfway through the first period, which saw Ridleigh Hansen (Red Deer, AB) replace Scully in nets.

As the minutes ticked down in the first period, the Huskies offense started to come alive and found themselves on the powerplay. The Huskies powerplay controlled the play and had some good chances, however, X-Women goaltender Johnson stood firm.

As the teams headed into the first intermission, the X-Women led the Huskies in shots 16-10.  

The start of the second period saw both teams come out focused and trading great offensive chances. 

At the halfway mark of the second period, the Huskies powerplay went to work, searching for their first goal. The X-Women penalty kill would hold off the Huskies powerplay.

Not even a minute later, the Huskies would get another chance at the powerplay; however, they would not be able to get through the X-Women penalty kill with forward Lea MacLeod (Dartmouth, NS), who came up with some big blocks.

As the final minutes of the second period wound down, Saint Mary's forward Aimee O'Neill (Glace Bay, NS) fought through a one-on-three with an excellent chance for the Huskies; however, X-Women goaltender Jamie Johnson was there to make the save.

Heading into the second intermission, the X-Women led the Huskies in shots 24-22.

The beginning of the third period saw both teams control the puck, the Huskies searching had an excellent opportunity in a scrum at the X-Women's net. However, the X-Women defense was able to get their sticks in the way.

The X-Women's offense struck again at the halfway mark of the period when Dabrowski passed it out front to teammate MacLeod, who found the back of the net, putting the X-Women up 4-0.

The Huskies went onto the penalty kill just under halfway through the third period, and they seized a short-handed opportunity as they had a two-on-two opportunity. Still, Huskies forward Mackenzie Beggs' (Kemptville, ON) shot went wide.

The final shots in the game were 34-31 in favor of the X-Women. StFX goaltender Jamie Johnson was named Subway Player of the Game for the X-Women, stopping 31 shots for the shutout victory. Huskies goaltender Ridleigh Hansen was named Subway Player of the Game for the home team, stopping 24 of 25 shots faced in relief.

The Huskies loss means this is the end of the road for their season, as the X-Women win the best-of-five series three games to one.

With the win, St. FX will move on to the AUS Championship finals for the sixth straight year, where they'll face the UNB REDS in a rematch of last year's AUS Final. They also clinch a spot in the U SPORTS National Championship, which will be played March 16-19 in Montreal, QC.

Recap by Alyson Duffy / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Matthew Frenette / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics