Mackenzie scores twice as Huskies defeat Tigers 4-2 for second straight win

HALIFAX, NS - Abigail Mackenzie scored a pair of goals as the Saint Mary's Huskies defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 4-2 on Wednesday night at the Halifax Forum.

The Tigers got off to a quick start, getting several shots on net. Just over a minute into the game Emmerson Gormley (Carleton Place, ON) squeaked one past Ridleigh Hansen (Red Deer, AB). Over the next few minutes, the Tigers would continue to press on offence, getting several more shots toward the Huskies' net, but between some blocks and a good save from Hansen, the lead was kept to one. With 12 minutes left, Saint Mary's got the first powerplay of the evening with an opportunity to tie the game. A minute into the powerplay, some nice puck movement paid off for the Huskies and Charlotte Buffie (Winnipeg, MB) was able to deposit the puck, making it 1-1. With a few minutes left, both goaltenders had to make good saves in order to keep it a tied game. As the clock was winding down, it was looking like the period would end there, with a minute left the Huskies' Kara MacLean (Antigonish, NS) was able to capitalize to make it 2-1 headed towards the second period.

Just 30 seconds into the middle frame, Maggie Baxter (Mahone Bay, NS) was forced to make a nice glove save to stop the Huskies from extending their lead. As the period progressed, both teams exchanged scoring chances, however, once again, both Hansen and Baxter made big saves to keep the game at 2-1 around seven minutes in. Minutes later, some offence finally broke through as the Tigers' Olivia Eustace (Riverview, NB) picked up the puck in front of the net and deposited it to tie the game at 2-2. With just a minute left in the period, the Tigers were awarded their first powerplay of the night and given an opportunity to take their first lead of the night. They had no such luck and the period ended with the two teams tied. 

Several minutes into the third period, Dalhousie narrowly avoided taking the lead, as a close chance in front rang off the post. Saint Mary's then responded with offence of their own with a wicked shot from the point by Abigail Mackenzie (Stellarton, NS) which made its way past Baxter to make it 3-2 Huskies. Moments after, both teams would take penalties seconds apart, leading to some extended 4-on-3 play. Just as the 4-on-3 was coming to an end, the Huskies struck again with Mackenzie picking up the goal, her second of the period, to make it 4-2 Huskies with 12 minutes remaining. As the game was winding down, the Tigers found themselves on the powerplay once more with an opportunity to close the gap. Unable to take advantage, that is how the game would end with the Huskies taking home the 4-2 victory.

Abigail Mackenzie took home the player of the game award for the Huskies.

The Tigers next game comes this Saturday, November 25th at 7:00 pm where they will host St. Thomas and look to get back in the win column.

The Huskies next play on Saturday, November 25th at 3:00 pm where they welcome the Mount Allison Mounties to Halifax and look to keep their win streak going.

Written by Ryan Hyndman, Dalhousie Athletics
Photos by Tamara Joseph, Dalhousie Athletics