Badgers manage to solve Gryphons, ending six-game win streak
The Guelph Gryphons varsity women’s hockey team had their six-game winning streak snapped by the Brock Badgers in a 3-1 loss on Nov. 16. The Gryphons, third in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and seventh in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) standings, fell to 9-3-0 on the season; while the last place OUA Badgers recorded their second win, progressing to 2-9-1 on the season.
Setting the tone for a fast paced first period, the Gryphons came out strong with Amanda Parkins scoring just 12 seconds into the game. Jessica Pinkerton and Emily Corbett recorded the assists on the goal. Even with the back and forth play, the Badgers struggled to reduce the amount of turnovers and fought hard in often failed attempts to create scoring chances against the Gryphons. Parkins had the opportunity to make it 2-0 for the Gryphons with a breakaway halfway through the period, however, she was tripped in what could be considered the ‘TSN Turning Point’ of the game.
The second period presented a much stronger Badgers team with three goals that would close out the game in a 3-1 final. Just 1:15 into the period, Jessica Fickel capitalized on a Gryphons turnover, tying the game up. That wouldn’t be the lone Gryphon turnover featured in the period, as the Badgers continued to hold possession of the puck and create chances off of Gryphon mistakes. Brianne Veale, a key player for the Badgers, recording three assists on the night, took a slap shot with Erin McColm finishing it off for a 2-1 lead. The final goal of the game would come 17:13 into the second period, as Leigh Vanderveen scored, recording her second point of the night.
The third period presented an unsuccessful powerplay and several failed scoring opportunities, credited to bad luck and good goaltending by Jenna Sosnoski of the Badgers. The Gryphons were outskated, and just unable to get anything going against a Badgers team who was determined to hold onto the lead for the victory.
The five penalties taken by the Gryphons throughout the game may just sum up their loss. Two hooking calls, two checking to the head, and a too many men call taken in the third period – penalties indicating an inability to match the Badgers skating, some frustration, and an unnecessary third period mistake during an attempt to come back.
Sosnoski finished the game with 20 saves in a 3-1 win, while Brittany McMacken of the Gryphons made 15 saves in the defeat.
The Gryphons look to bounce back on Nov. 22 when they visit London to play the Western Mustangs.