Tommies Clinch First Place in AUS With 2-1 Win Over Mounties

The St. Thomas University Tommies edged the Mount Allison Mounties 2-1 in AUS women's hockey action Sunday afternoon at the Grant-Harvey Centre. 

The game marked the annual grad game for the Tommies, as they will lose five players to graduation following this season.  

"We have some great people leaving the program," said Tommies head coach Peter Murphy. "They have all grown as people in their time here, and it is very great to see as a coach, not just focusing on the hockey side of things." 

The Tommies got off to a hot start when Olivia Reid connected with linemates and AUS dynamos, Lauren Henman and Emily Oleksuk, only five minutes into the first frame.  

The Mounties struck back shortly after when Emma Schurman received the outlet pass from captain Heather Richards and made no mistake with a yawning cage to knot the score 1-1. 

"They're a team that you don't know what you're going to get," said Murphy. "I don't think they get enough credit because of their record." 

The Tommies gave the start between the pipes to goalie, Taylor Cook, who made 17 saves to stymie the Mounties. 

Neither team found the back of the net in the second period or for the majority of the third period until Oleksuk chopped the loose puck to the back of the net on the feed from Henman to give the Tommies the 2-1 lead, and the eventual game winning goal. 

The weekend was fruitful for the Tommies with back-to-back wins to lock up first place in the conference, ensuring a bye to the semi-finals.  

"We had a few other goals listed, but it's important to have the best chance in our round," said Murphy. "If you're going to get the bye, you would rather be first than second." 

This season has been a definite high for the Tommies squad making this feat a long time coming for the squad. 

"The girls have bought into a few different things this year." Said Murphy. "It's definitely apparent that they have matured over the years and aim higher for their goals." 

The Tommies are back in action this Friday night when they pay a visit to the St. Francis Xavier X-Women at 7pm.