Panthers Pounce on Tommies Early

--- Hillary Latham, STU BA '20 --- 

Fredericton, NB- On Friday November 22nd, St.Thomas University Tommies faced off against the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers. 

The Tommies came into the game looking to bounce back from a well fought, but tough 2-1 loss in their last game against St. Francis Xavier University. 

Early in the first period, back to back penalties forced the Tommies to go on the penalty kill. The Panthers managed to capitalize on the power play, taking an early lead of 1-0 off the stick of Faith Steeves.

Later in the first, the Tommies received a power play but were unable to capitalize. The period ended with the Panthers out shooting the Tommies 13-1, and leading by one goal.   

The Tommies started off the second period on the penalty kill once again, this time managing to keep it out of the back of their net. However, 10:34 into the period the Panthers score, pushing their lead to 2-0. This time it was Maria Clinton scoring first the Panthers. 

The Tommies attempted to pressure the Panthers zone but were unable to generate a goal. The Panthers would continue to dominate the Tommies end into the third period and ultimately racking up their third goal of the night less than five minutes into the final period, unassisted from Katelynn Nice. 

Tommies forward, Emma Wilson (Midhurst, Ontario) managed to put the Tommies on the scoreboard with 10 minutes left in the third. After Wilson's goal, the Tommies heavily pressured the Panthers end but were unable to find the back of the net. The game ended with a score of 3-1 in favour of the Panthers. 

Tommies head coach Peter Murphy said that the team has been doing quite well so far, "We've been getting better and better, regardless of win or lose."

This game was a different story for the Tommies, as it was not an improvement from the last game.

"It didn't look at all like our team and the way it's been playing," Murphy said. "This was the first game where we took it a notch down."

The Tommies next game will be on home ice against the Mount Allison Mounties, on November 23rd at 7:00 PM.