Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorn Athletics
LETHBRIDGE- In the final game of the first semester for both teams, the Calgary Dinos received another strong performance from goaltender Kelsey Roberts and completed the weekend sweep of the Lethbridge Pronghorns with a 3-1 win.
One night ago, Roberts stopped all 30 shots she faced as the Dinos shutout the Pronghorns 1-0.
The two regulation wins by the Dinos this weekend may prove crucial, as they have now picked up a five point cushion in the race for the final playoff spot. The Dinos record improves to 6-8-1-1. The Pronghorns fall to 5-9-1-1 but have two overtime wins, compared to six regulation wins by the Dinos.
Kate Lumley, Delaney Frey and Sage Desjardins scored for the Dinos, while Mackenzie Gal picked up the lone Pronghorn marker.
Alicia Anderson finished with 18 saves in the loss, while Roberts made 26 saves.
After playing three 1-0 games this season, one would think the opening goal would be crucial and for the second straight night, the Dinos opening the scoring, Chelsea Court would get an initial breakaway chance, Anderson made initial stop, but Kate Lumley would collect the rebound and beat Anderson glove side.
With the two best defensive teams in Canada West the chances were limited for the remainder of the opening period but Brett Campbell had the best chance for the Pronghorns coming off the half boards, beating Roberts but not the crossbar.
Before the second period hit the midway point, the Pronghorns would finally beat Roberts. Mackenzie Gal point shot went through multiple players to beat Roberts high blocker side.
The tie would only last five minutes, as the Dinos regained their lead. Sarah Craven would steal the puck in the neutral zone and her initial shot was saved by Anderson, but the rebound was shovelled home by Delaney Frey for her third goal of the season.
Before the second period was up, the Dinos capitalized on a later five-on-three power-play, as a shot deflected off Sage Desjardins' shin pad and past Anderson.
Looking to claw themselves back into the game, the Pronghorns had an early chance. Maddison Toppe stole the puck behind the net, fed the puck to Ashley McCabe in front but Roberts robbed the initial shot and made her best save of the game off of Oliva Alexander on the rebound.
Despite registering 10 shots in the final frame, the Pronghorns were unable to beat Roberts the rest of the way.
Both teams will now head into the semester break, with the Pronghorns return to Canada West action, January 5th and 6th, traveling to Saskatoon to face the Saskatchewan Huskies. The Dinos will also be on the road, traveling to Vancouver to face the UBC Thunderbirds.