The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Midland Warriors of the NCAA 6-1 in an exhibition game on Friday (Sept. 11) night at Varsity Arena.
Back on the ice in their home arena, third-year goaltender Lyla McKinnon was strong for the Blues in the opening period. As the Blues looked to get their legs underneath them, the social science student turned aside 10 shots as the Warriors put pressure on the Blues in the defensive zone. After 20 minutes of play, the score remained deadlocked at zero's.
Less than two minutes into the second period, the Blues broke the ice with a power play marker. Third-year defender Jaia Freer sent a pass from the point to set up second-year forward Petra Klimes. Toronto kept momentum on their side with their first of a perfect four successful penalty kills. Midland was able to net an equalizer midway through the period as Molly McMurrich found the back of the net. Refusing to be stifled by the equalizer, fourth-year forward Christina Alexiou received a pass from first-year defender Abby Dingwell. The Oakville native beat goaltender Meghan Stewart to regain the lead. Toronto doubled their lead late in the frame as a shot from third-year forward Laralee Rizzari slipped underneath Stewart's pad, giving the Blues a 3-1 lead going into the second intermission.
U of T continued to control the game in the third and added to their lead 76 seconds into the final 20 minutes of play as Taylor Delahey ripped a shot from the hashmarks to provide valuable insurance. The Warriors pushed in the third period, generating a breakaway as they looked to get back in the back but McKinnon stood her ground between the pipes. McKinnon ended up finishing the game with 29 saves.
Toronto added two more insurance markers in the final 15 seconds of the game with first-year forward Eden Gowing beating goaltender Natalie Rampton and Rizzari netting her second of the game with five seconds remaining as U of T were victorious when the final buzzer sounded.
The Blues will continue the preseason when they travel to Moncton, N.B., for three games as a part of the Moncton Preseason Tournament from Sept. 25-27. Action kicks off on Friday (Sept. 25) afternoon when they take on the Université de Moncton at 1 p.m.
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