Cant scores game-winner as Huskies edge Panthers 2-0 in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI - Saint Mary's forward Avery Cant scored the game-winning goal as the Huskies defeated the UPEI Panthers 2-0 on Sunday evening in Charlottetown, PEI.

The Huskies scored both goals in the third period, including an empty netter, to secure the win. Avery Cant scored the first, while Keyara Nelson sealed the victory with 82 seconds remaining.

The opening period showcased strong defensive play and goaltending on both sides. The Panthers and Huskies battled relentlessly for puck possession, with neither team giving an inch. UPEI's Sarah Forsythe and Saint Mary's Ridleigh Hansen were exceptional, making crucial saves to keep their respective nets empty. UPEI managed to outshoot Saint Mary's by a slim margin of 9-6 in the first period, but the game remained deadlocked at 0-0.

The second period continued in a similar fashion, with both teams showing their resilience in the defensive zones. The physicality of the game increased as the rivalry intensified, resulting in a few minor penalties, but neither team could capitalize on the power play opportunities.

However, that changed in the third period, when the Huskies started to take control of the game and were rewarded for it midway through the frame. On a power play at 8:46, Cant took a deflected pass through the neutral zone and fired two shots on net before slipping the third one by Forsythe for the go-ahead goal, her team-leading fourth of the season.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Avery Cant scores the game winning goal, her fourth of the season in tonight's 2-0 win over @UPEIPanthers

�� A. Cant (4)
�� G. Lapierre
�� C. Buffie pic.twitter.com/ScD6ggf3CK

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 23, 2023

The Panthers thought they had tied the game on an Anjali Simms shot from the point with 2:23 left in the game, but it was waved off as Hansen signalled to the referee that the net was off, which preserved Saint Mary's slim lead. Then, at 18:38, Nelson iced the game with the empty net goal. 

Forsythe finished with 23 saves, while Hansen recorded 24 in a shutout performance.

The Panthers head to Halifax next where they'll take on the Dalhousie Tigers on Friday night, while the Huskies travel to Moncton for a Wednesday night showdown against the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues.

Recap by Thomas Becker / UPEI Athletics
Photos by Janessa Vanden Broeck / UPEI Athletics