The No. 5 University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 2-1 in their 2021-22 season opener on Thursday, November 4 in Oshawa, Ont.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Ridgebacks opened the scoring with forwards Katie Heath and Natalie Wozney combining 6:23 into the first. The Blues responded by shelling 20 shots on Ridgebacks netminder Brooke Vial through the remainder of the first. First-year defenceman Emma Potter recorded the Blues first goal of the game with a wrist shot from the blue line off a nice set up from fourth-year forward Celine Frappier.
Fourth-year forward and Varsity Blues captain Laura Ellis gave the Blues the lead just two minutes later.
The second frame saw the Ridgebacks tighten up at the back, slowing the Blues momentum from the first. The Blues frustration led to the concession of two separate penalties, resulting in eight shots on the Blues net. Fourth-year Blues netminder Madeline Albert held strong through both penalties to maintain Toronto's lead.
The third period saw a more even play from the two sides with the Blues and Ridgebacks recording 8-7 shots, respectively. Despite the Ridgebacks attempts, the Blues would hold on to their first period lead to record their first win of the season.
Albert faced just 19 shots in the contest, saving 18 of them.
UP NEXT: The Blues head to Varsity Arena on Saturday, November 6 for a rematch with the Ridgebacks. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
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