Beer leads Tigers to 3-2 win over Tommies

FREDERICTON, N.B. — The Dalhousie Tigers edged St. Thomas with a 3-2 victory on the road. Dalhousie's power play unit contributed a crucial goal in the second period, helping secure the win.

Dalhousie and St. Thomas engaged in a defensive battle during the first period, with both goaltenders, Katie Sweeney for the Tommies and Grace Beer for Dalhousie, effectively blocking several scoring attempts. Dalhousie's Ava Boyle and Emma Silvernagle had early shots, but Sweeney's saves kept the score level. The Tommies had a notable chance when Nadia Lavoie's shot hit the pipe at 3:49, and another by Tahlia Mallaley also struck the pipe at 5:23. Despite power play opportunities on both sides following penalties on Emma Silvernagle and Tristyn Endicott, neither team managed to convert, leaving the score at 0-0 by the end of the period.

Abby Larkin opened the scoring for Dalhousie at 10:43, with an assist from Emma Robertson, putting the visitors ahead. St. Thomas quickly responded during a power play at 12:16, with Trinity Webber netting the equalizer, assisted by Katelin Moffatt and Nadia Lavoie. Dalhousie regained the lead with Casey Beisel scoring at 16:30, aided by Leah MacSween and Emma Robertson. Avery Holmes extended the lead to 3-1 just over a minute later with a goal assisted by Madison Wardle and Ava Boyle. The Tommies closed the gap to 3-2 at 18:34, as Claire Nimegeers scored with help from Amber Daley and Tristyn Endicott. Notably, Casey Beisel was named the player of the game for the Tigers, highlighting her significant contribution.

St. Thomas began the third period with a strong presence in the faceoff circle, winning multiple draws, including the opening faceoff against Leah MacSween. Dalhousie's penalty troubles provided the Tommies with opportunities, but the visiting team's goaltender, Grace Beer, consistently turned away shots, including a flurry during an early power play. Despite Dalhousie's penalties for tripping and delay of game, the Tommies failed to capitalize on their power-play opportunities. Beer remained resolute, making several crucial saves, including in the final moments following a timeout by the Tommies, to maintain the scoreless tie for the period.

Abby Larkin scored once and blocked a shot, contributing to a positive plus-minus of +1. Avery Holmes recorded a game-winning goal, finishing with a +2 rating. Casey Beisel found the net on a power play, adding a goal to her tally with three shots on goal. Grace Beer made an impressive 31 saves while allowing only two goals in her appearance.

The Tigers return to the ice on Friday when they host their cross-town rivials, the SMU Huskies. Puck drop is set for 7pm at the Halifax Forum.