The Ottawa 67's held off a relentless offensive push from the Kingston Ice Wolves to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory in U22 Elite action. The game was defined by a physical first period and a goaltending duel, with Ottawa's Livia Debnarova standing tall against a barrage of 40 shots from Kingston. The 67's struck first on the power play, as Anna Rossner capitalized on a setup from Polly Almstedt just 1:50 into the opening frame. The period was marred by penalties, including a pair of coincidental head contact minors to Kingston's Quinn McFarlane and Ottawa's Avery Ronberg, setting a chippy tone for the contest.
Despite being outshot 16-10 in the second period, Ottawa managed to maintain their slim lead. Kingston's Quinn McFarlane redeemed her earlier penalty by tying the game at 1-1 with an even-strength marker, assisted by Claire Chambers and Ashlea Whyte. The 67's responded quickly, however, as Vanessa Sciampacone restored the lead, finishing a play set up by Norah Nyaba and Avery Ronberg. The Ice Wolves continued to press in the third, finally breaking through again when Jocelyn Osborn scored to knot the game at 2-2 with just over seven minutes remaining, assisted by Chloe Trotter and Claire Rathwell.
The game's decisive moment came in the final minutes. With Kingston's Peyton Borton in the box for body checking, Ottawa seized their opportunity. Applying pressure on the power play, they found the game-winner to clinch the 3-2 result. The story of the night was in the crease, as Ottawa's Livia Debnarova turned aside 43 of 45 shots for the win, while Kingston's Claire Scott was stellar in a losing effort, making 33 saves on 35 shots. The 67's special teams proved the difference, going 2-for-6 on the power play and killing off all of Kingston's opportunities to secure two crucial points.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875