Arron Lai; Dinos Communications

CALGARY - After dropping a tight 2-1 decision to the University of Alberta Pandas on Friday night in Edmonton, the University of Calgary Dinos returned home to Father David Bauer arena for a rematch Saturday night.

 

The first period saw the Dinos open the game with high-energy. Strong skating and a heavy forecheck characterized the opening minutes for the Dinos, as they were able to match the pressure and intensity of the Pandas. However, an early Dinos penalty allowed the Pandas to display their potent offense that has seen them score eleven goals in four games. Third year defenseman Cayle Dillon released a snapshot that was deflected by Autumn MacDougall to give the Pandas a 1-0 lead. Despite the deficit, the Dinos matched the Pandas in the opening frame, as shots were even 8-8 after the first period.

 

"We had a better start tonight," explains head coach Danielle Goyette who was happy with her team's start. "When we think about the game we played yesterday, our start was not good. I was really happy the way we started, as shots were 8-8. Yesterday we did not have a shot in the first period, so we had a way better start."

 

The second period saw the Dinos struggle with discipline as two early penalties led to a 5-on-3 goal by the Pandas. Second year defenseman Taylor Kezama would tally her first goal of the season, adding to her four assists. The Pandas would continue to pressure the Dinos throughout the second period, with a strong, physical forecheck and backcheck.

 

As head coach Danielle Goyette explains, the Dinos were timid in shutting down the Pandas' dominant style of play. "I think they looked very strong and physical because we allowed them to do that. Their best player, we gave them time, room and space. When you are a good skater on the big ice, it is a big advantage."

 

The third period saw the Pandas continue to press the Dinos both offensively and defensively. Discipline would be an issue all night for the Dinos as they continued to find themselves in the penalty box.
The team also struggled to find offensive opportunities. "I feel like we kind of gave up [after the 2-0 deficit]" states Goyette. "We did not believe that we could win."

 

Despite the loss, Dinos goaltender Kelsey Roberts had another outstanding night in her fifth start of the season. Coach Goyette notes that her team must find a way to support their goaltender.

"When you see your goalie in net doing everything in her power to keep us in the game, I think we need to think twice and look at ourselves. We need to think about what can we do better. What can I bring to the next game. Our goalie did not give up and we have to take pride in showing up for every shift."

 

The Pandas improve to 4-1-0-1 on the season, while the Dinos drop to 1-4-0-1. Next weekend, the Dinos will face off with the 3-2-0-1 Saskatchewan Huskies. Rookie Holly Reuther, who tallied four shots in tonight's loss, explains that the team must work hard moving forward.

 

"We just need to bare down on our chances and put the puck in the net. I think going forward this week we need to focus on the details in practices, and make sure we finish every drill and put the puck in the net."

 

The Pandas will host the Regina Cougars next weekend, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. MT on Friday, and 2 p.m. MT on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Dinos will travel over to Saskatchewan for a series with the Huskies. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. MT on both Friday and Saturday night.

Photo by David Moll