Tigers fall to REDS in shootout

FREDERICTON, N.B. — Dalhousie Tigers fell 2-1 in a shootout to the UNB REDS on Friday night, with UNB's power-play goal in the third period forcing the extra session.

The opening period began with Dalhousie taking an early advantage over New Brunswick. At 2:54, Leah MacSween scored the first goal of the game, assisted by Emma Robertson and Abby Larkin, placing Dalhousie in the lead. Despite the REDS multiple power play opportunities, Dalhousie's Madison King made several key saves, including shots from Payton Hargreaves and Avery Thurston, to maintain the lead. King's exceptional performance in goal during this period laid the groundwork for her being named the player of the game for the Tigers. The period concluded with Dalhousie leading 1-0, holding off New Brunswick's attempts to equalize.

The second period saw both teams actively seeking scoring opportunities, but neither Dalhousie nor UNB managed to break the deadlock. Dalhousie had multiple power play chances, including one beginning at 1:54 after a tripping penalty on UNB's Katelyn Scott and another at 14:18 following a roughing penalty served by Jamie Arsenault. However, New Brunswick's defense, anchored by goalie Cassie McCallum, thwarted their efforts. In contrast, New Brunswick's offensive attempts were repeatedly denied by Dalhousie netminder King, who made crucial saves, including a notable sequence of stops on shots by Jayde Sansregret and Jorja Nystrom. Both teams ended the period scoreless, with a series of missed shots and saves maintaining the 0-0 stalemate.

UNB capitalized on a power-play opportunity early in the third period when Olivia Eustace scored at 4:47, assisted by Katelyn Scott and Hailey Jackson, breaking the deadlock. Dalhousie's King faced a barrage of shots, making several key saves to keep her team in contention. Despite being outshot, Dalhousie held off further scoring during another New Brunswick power play, thanks to King's strong performance in goal. The frame ended with the REDS leading the frame 1-0, tying the overall score at 1-1 as the game concluded.

The overtime period between Dalhousie and UNB ended without any goals, maintaining the deadlock. New Brunswick's Hillary Wood tested Dalhousie's keeper King twice, but both shots missed the target. At 1:54, Larkin had a chance for Dalhousie, but her attempt was saved by New Brunswick's McCallum. Robertson also managed a shot for Dalhousie at 2:15, but McCallum was again up to the task. Both teams exchanged faceoff wins, with Dalhousie holding a slight advantage. A roughing penalty was called on both Avery Holmes of Dalhousie and Nystrom of UNB at 4:05, resulting in coincidental penalties but no scoring opportunities arose from the subsequent plays. The period concluded at 5:00 with the score still tied.

In a tense shootout, the REDS emerged victorious over Dalhousie after a series of dramatic attempts. Larkin gave Dalhousie a brief lead by scoring against McCallum. However, Scott quickly equalized for UNB with a successful shot against King. The shootout continued with missed attempts from both sides until Rylee Strohm secured the win for New Brunswick by converting her shot past King. UNB's win came as a result of key goals in the shootout, concluding a closely contested matchup.

MacSween scored one goal and recorded five shots, showcasing her offensive efforts for the Dalhousie team. Larkin contributed with an assist and blocked one shot, adding defensive strength. King, in goal, made 40 saves, providing a solid last line of defense. Robertson added an assist and took two shots, contributing to the team's offensive plays.

The Tigers continue their road trip on Saturday, playing the St Thomas Tommies at 3pm.