The Carleton Ravens women’s hockey team remains undefeated in exhibition competition after winning both games against the University of Western Ontario Mustangs last weekend at the Carleton Ice House.
After a 5-3 victory Sept. 18, the Ravens held on for a 3-2 shootout win Sept. 19, despite surrendering a two-goal third-period lead and outshooting their opponents by a 41-17 margin.
Ravens goaltender Victoria Powers stood on her head in the shootout, stopping four of five Mustang shooters. Meanwhile, goals by Melanie McKnight, Sadie Wegner, Brittany Simpson, and Olivia Sutter helped the Ravens secure their third victory of the pre-season.
“When we have four out of five shooters scoring and our goalie stops four out of five shots, that puts us in a solid spot moving forward,” said Ravens head coach Shelley Coolidge.
The Ravens displayed good puck movement and quick transitions from the opening whistle. The Mustangs struggled to counter Carleton’s attack, as much of the game was spent warding off the home team’s continuous pressure.
After failing to capitalize on seven first-period power plays, the Ravens saw their fortunes change for the better in the second frame.
The first goal of the game came halfway through the second period when Jasmine Levesque blasted a slapshot from the point that found the bottom left corner of the net. Six minutes later, Wenger deflected a Blaire MacDonald shot into the back of the net to give the Ravens a 2-0 lead.
Despite being outplayed in the opening 40 minutes, the Mustangs battled their way back into the game in the third period.
“We were good the first and second period but we let off the gas in the third,” said Ravens defenceman Kelsey Vander Veer.
Less than 30 seconds into the third period, Mustangs forward Katie Dillon scored on a deflection from the point that cut the Ravens lead in half.
Lindsay Gidomski then evened the score with only five minutes remaining. Overtime failed to decide the game, but the Ravens proved victorious in the shootout.
“The first forty minutes were outstanding,” Coolidge said. “The third period was flat, but overall, I’m happy with the team’s effort.”