The Stoney Creek Sabres used a potent power play and a balanced offensive attack to secure a 5-2 victory over the visiting Burlington Barracudas in U22 Elite action. The game's momentum swung decisively in the first period after Burlington's early lead. The Barracudas struck first when Caileigh Tiller, assisted by Hayley Thompson and Addison Butler, found the back of the net just under two minutes into the game. However, the Sabres responded with authority. Aubrey Morrison tied the game at 13:54, and Adison White gave Stoney Creek the lead for good with an even-strength marker later in the period. The Sabres capitalized on a late penalty, as Mikayla Barnes scored on the power play with just 36 seconds left in the opening frame, sending her team to the intermission with a commanding 3-1 lead.
The second period saw the Sabres extend their dominance, particularly with the man advantage. Aubrey Morrison netted her second goal of the game, another power-play tally, assisted by Sadie Allen and Mylie Ellis. The Sabres' offensive depth was on full display when Olivia VanSickle scored to make it 5-1, with Morrison and Barnes picking up the helpers. Burlington struggled with discipline, taking two minor penalties in the middle frame that the Sabres expertly exploited. In the crease, Sabres goalie Machala Musty was a steadying presence, turning aside all 26 shots she faced to earn the win.
The Barracudas showed resilience in the third period, breaking through Musty's shutout bid when Aubrey Biase scored, assisted by Elleh Frigui and Chelsea Tiller. Despite a late flurry that included a couple of Stoney Creek penalties, Burlington could not mount a significant comeback. The Sabres' defensive structure and Musty's goaltending held firm to close out the game. The victory was a showcase for Stoney Creek's special teams and offensive contributors like Aubrey Morrison, who finished with two goals and an assist, and Mikayla Barnes, who added a goal and two assists to lead the Sabres to a decisive home-ice win.
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