NAPANEE, Ont. (January 14, 2017) – The Queen's Gaels defeated the Laurier Golden Hawks 2-1 in a shootout Saturday evening as Queen's hosted their first game of the season in Napanee which will serve as the 2017 U SPORTS national championship venue in March.
 
GAMEFLOW
In the first period, after a number of excellent chances, Queen's opened the scoring. Nadia Larocca (Mississauga, Ont.) scored for the Gaels on a nice backhand shot that found its way through a crowd. Bryce Desa (London, Ont.) assisted on the play. This proved to be the only goal of the period.
 
In the second period, Laurier responded. Cassandra Calabrese scored for the Golden Hawks on a deflection play in front of the net, during 4-on-4 play. Jaden Head assisted on the goal. This led to a tied game heading into the third period.
 
In the third, Queen's had a number of scoring chances, including a 5-on-3 power play and a penalty shot in the final minute. However, the Gaels were unable to capitalize. This forced the game into overtime.
 
In overtime both teams had a number of chances, including a Laurier shot that hit the crossbar. However, after two scoreless overtime periods, the game finished with a shootout.
 
In the shootout, as the Gaels third shooter, Addi Halladay (North Augusta, Ont.) scored the game winner on an absolute laser of a shot. Gaels goaltender Stephanie Pascal (Sudbury, Ont.) turned aside all shootout attempts and Queen's skated away with the win.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
42 – Saves for Laurier goaltender Amanda Smith
1 – Goal for Nadia Larocca
20 – Total penalty minutes throughout the contest
 
 
"Laurier is a good everything team and are well coached. We knew it was going to be a tight game. Based on how we played throughout the game I think we deserved three points, but their goalie (Smith) once again, four years of frustrating us, made some phenomenal saves." –Coach Holmberg
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels take on the Waterloo Warriors tomorrow January 15 in Napanee, Ont. The game begins at 2pm and can be seen live on OUA.tv.