Panthers edge Tigers in OT

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — UPEI edged Dalhousie with a 2-1 overtime victory at the Halifax Forum. Dalhousie's lone goal came short-handed, highlighting a strong defensive effort with 54 saves by their goaltender.

The first period began with a quick start as the University of Prince Edward Island's Ashley McCutcheon scored the opening goal just 32 seconds in, assisted by Anjali Simms and Clara Williams. Dalhousie had opportunities to equalize but was unable to capitalize on their early power play following a tripping penalty against Hayden Lilly at 2:33. Grace Beer was kept busy in net for Dalhousie, making multiple saves to keep the deficit at one. The Panthers maintained pressure throughout, but Dalhousie's defense, led by Beer, held firm to close the period with UPEI leading 1–0.

The second period culminated in a dramatic equalizer for Dalhousie as Madison Wardle found the back of the net at the buzzer, tying the game at 1–1. Throughout the period, UPEI maintained offensive pressure, with multiple shots on goal, but Dalhousie's Grace Beer stood firm, making numerous saves to keep the scoreline close. Despite being on the penalty kill twice, Dalhousie successfully thwarted UPEI's power play opportunities, including a critical stretch after Abby Larkin's penalty. Wardle's goal at the end of the period leveled the score, setting up a tense final period.

The third period saw intense defensive efforts from both Dalhousie and UPEI, with neither team breaking through on the scoreboard. Dalhousie's Grace Beer was pivotal, recording multiple saves against a barrage of shots from the Panthers, including attempts by Orianna MacNeil and Chiara Esposito. Erin Cabaday stood firm on the other end, turning away shots from Dalhousie's Leah MacSween and Daisy Varga. Despite numerous offensive efforts, the period ended scoreless, with the goalies dominating the play throughout the final 20 minutes.

In overtime, Dalhousie won the opening faceoff, setting the stage for a tense period. UPEI's Renée Chapman and Dalhousie's Emmerson Gormley each missed early shots, with Erin Cabaday and Grace Beer making crucial saves to keep the game level. The Panthers' Chloe McCabe broke the deadlock at 3:42, securing the win with assistance from Kierra St. Peter and Anjali Simms. The final score was 2-1 in favor of the Panthers, with McCabe's goal marking her first of the season.

Madison Wardle scored one goal and added five shots, contributing significantly to the offensive efforts. Grace Beer played a crucial role in defense, making 54 saves and allowing only two goals. Wardle also excelled in face-offs, winning eight out of twenty attempts. Daisy Varga contributed four shots and maintained a positive plus-minus rating of +1.

The Tigers are back in action on Saturday at 7pm