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Windsor Ends Hawk Win Streak with 2-1 OT Win
WATERLOO, Ont. - For the second year in a row, the Golden Hawks
(26-1) were unable to complete the perfect season as this year they
fell to the Windsor Lancers (13-14) 2-1 in overtime in the final
game of the regular season.
The loss qualified Windsor for the playoffs as they jumped ahead of
both Brock and Western, while the Golden Hawks continue to hold
first in the OUA and as a result receive a bye through the first
round.
“It’s tough to end a season that way,” commented
head coach Rick Osborne on the overtime loss. “Two years in a
row at 26-1 is not the finish that we were expecting and we are
disappointed but we will find a way to get our heads up high and
get ready for the playoffs.”
L ancer forward Ashley Kirby (LaSalle, Ont.) netted the game winner
off of a loose rebound from netminder Liz Knox (Stouffville, Ont.)
just over three minutes into the overtime frame. The original shot
came from Windsor’s Candace Rapchak (Stoney Point, Ont.).
Lancer Kiely Barnett (Newmarket, Ont.) forced overtime by netting
the game tying marker with less than two minutes left in the
contest as only her second goal of the year.
The goal ended Knox’s chances at claiming the CIS records for
shutouts in a career and shutouts in a season. Both of which Knox
tied previously this season with McGill goalie Charline
Labontè. Knox faced 27 shots in the contest while her
counterpart Jamie Tessier (Copper Cliff, Ont.) was bombarded with
53.
“Knox will be the difference for us in the playoffs,”
said Osborne on the goaltending. “She’ll bounce back
from the game this afternoon and shake it off and be ready for the
next one.”
Abby Rainsberry (Petro lia, Ont.) scored the lone Golden Hawk goal
early in the contest. Rainsberry, a second year centre picked up
the marker while on the power play for her fourth goal of the
season.
“Although we weren’t counting on a loss to end our
season, we’ve now all felt the defeat that we don’t
want to experience in the post-season,” commented team
captain Andrea Ironside (Collingwood, Ont.) post-game.
“We’ll look back at this game later this week and
re-evaluate and grow so we can move forward.”
The game also marked the final regular season home game for six
athletes who plan to move on including Laura Bartolini
(Mississauga, Ont.), Vanessa Bennett (Belmont, Ont.), Stephanie
Crarey (Newmarket, Ont.) Kate Psota (Burlington, Ont.), Ironside
and Knox.
“I’m positive with the leadership and character we have
in the dressing room, that we will take another good shot at the
playoffs,” said Osborne looking ahead to the post-season.
Laurier wi ll await the results of the first round in order to see
who their competitor will be.
Check back with www.laurierathletics.com to find out more about the
playoffs for Laurier’s women’s hockey team.
Source:
Laurier Athletics Sports Information
