Concordia and Saint Mary’s win over Guelph with two shootouts
Gryphons 3, Stingers 4
Gryphons 3, Huskies 4
The women’s hockey team’s season came to a close at the U Sports Championships, hosted by Queen’s, as they lost two heartbreaking games—both in a shootout.
The team suited up to face the Concordia Stingers in the quarterfinal game on Friday, March 17. Left wing Kaitlin Lowy opened the scoring for the Gryphons and they led 1-0 at the end of the first period.
The Stingers came out hot in the second period, answering back by scoring three goals in quick succession. The Guelph women showed incredible determination, tying the game back up at 3-3 at the end of the third period.
A 10-minute overtime brought no goals and the game had to be decided in a shootout. The Gryphons could not find their way past the Concordia goal keeper and were defeated in absolute heartbreak.
The team had to regroup for Saturday as they faced the Saint Mary’s Huskies in the consolation semi-finals.
The winner of this game would move on to the fifth place match and the loser would end their season there and head home.
The game was tied 1-1 at nine minutes into the first period. Near the end of the period, the Gryphons scored two goals within 37 seconds of each other with Sophie Contant and Brittany St. James both scoring on power plays.
Unfortunately, Guelph could not keep their momentum going into the second period as the Huskies out skated them and tied the game up at 3-3.
No goals were scored in the third period or overtime and, once again, the game went into a shootout. The shootout saw only one goal scored by the Huskies, giving them the victory.
The Gryphons’ season was stopped short—arguably much shorter than it should have been—as they returned home empty handed.
The Guelph women can hold their heads up high, however, as they continue to be one of the most competitive teams in the country. And, with all members of the team returning next year, they are sure to get a shot at redemption.