CALGARY - After sweeping the University of Regina Cougars last weekend thanks to two shutouts from Kelsey Roberts, the University of Calgary Dinos dropped a 4-2 decision to the first-place University of Manitoba Bisons at Father David Bauer arena.
Although the Dinos scored the first goal of the game, a four goal second period from the Bisons propelled them to their tenth win of the season.
This match-up featured Canada West's top team in goals for (Manitoba - with 29), and goals against (Calgary - with 15). The first few minutes of the game saw the Bisons pressure the Dinos with their aggression and speed. The Dinos adjusted minutes into the period, matching the Bisons forecheck and backcheck. The strong play by the Dinos against the Canada West leading Bisons payed off with minutes remaining in the first period. After receiving a short pass from Carley Wlad, Morgan Loroff would fire a big slap shot that deflected off a Bison defenders skate to give the Dinos a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The second period was action-packed, featuring five goals between the two teams. The Bisons scored two goals in the opening five minutes of the second frame. Natasha Kostenko would tally her first of the year 55 seconds into the period before Alexandra Anderson scored minutes later, giving the Bisons a 2-1 lead. The Dinos would not get discouraged, as rookie Carley Wlad would tie the game at the 10:18 mark thanks to a fantastic individual play. After receiving a pass off the boards from Chelsea Court, Wlad would streak in and fire a wrist shot from the top of the faceoff circle. Despite an initial save from Bisons goalie Rachel Dyck, Wlad drove to the net and fired the rebound past Dyck, tying the game at two.
"I felt really good about it," explained Wlad on her first career goal as a Dino. "Getting my first goal is a little bit of a relief." However, Wlad was quick to credit her teammates on her two-point night. "My line played very well as did the team."
The Bisons answered as the Dinos would take two consecutive penalties leading to back-to-back powerplay goals for Manitoba. Jordan Zacharias and Alanna Sharman scored 40 seconds apart, putting the Bisons ahead 4-2 heading into the intermission.
Penalties were a deciding factor in this contest, as the Dinos would take five penalties, while Manitoba was able to stay out of the box.
Head coach Danielle Goyette acknowledges that penalties hampered the Dinos, although she was pleased with her team's overall performance against the Bisons.
"In general, if you look at the full game and do not include the five to six minutes we were not disciplined, I thought we played an excellent game. We have to feel positive about tomorrow, especially since we play early."
The third period saw the Dinos tighten up defensively, limiting the Bisons to only a few scoring opportunities on 11 shots. Despite this, the offense was unable to find the back of the net as the Dinos dropped a 4-2 decision.
Although the Dinos lost, Goyette was especially pleased with her team's offensive efforts. After scoring only 10 goals through 12 games, the Dinos were able to find the back of the net on two occasions tonight.
"I thought we had better looks at the net tonight and had some good chances," stated Goyette. "Their goalie had to make some great saves and I thought it was one of our best offensive games."
To secure two points tomorrow and a series split, Carley Wlad explains that the team must stay focused and believe in their abilities.
"I think we just have to come in with lots of energy and make sure we are all excited about the game. We need to just believe in each other and believe we can do this, because we can."
The Dinos and Bisons return to the ice tomorrow afternoon for a matinee affair. Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. at Father David Bauer arena.
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