The Burlington Barracudas rode a stellar defensive performance and a timely offensive surge to a 3-0 road victory over the Ridley Tigers. The story of the game was written in the crease, as Barracudas netminder Riley Manna was unbeatable, turning aside all 19 shots she faced to secure a shutout. At the other end, Ridley's Grier Cooper faced a relentless Burlington attack, seeing 30 shots and making several key saves to keep her team in contention for much of the contest.
The game remained a tense, scoreless battle through the first period and into the second, despite Burlington taking a pair of early penalties. The deadlock was finally broken late in the middle frame when Burlington's Hayley Thompson, wearing number 7, found the back of the net at the 4:38 mark. She was set up by Addison Butler and Caileigh Tiller, giving the visitors a crucial lead. The Tigers tried to respond, but a penalty for Head Contact by Brynne Power shortly after the goal hampered their momentum, and they entered the third period trailing by one.
Any hopes of a Ridley comeback were methodically extinguished by the Barracudas in the final period. Burlington tightened their grip, outshooting the Tigers 12-4 and adding two insurance goals. Thompson struck again for her second of the night, this time assisted by Chelsea Tiller, to double the lead midway through the period. The dagger came with just over five minutes to play, as Miwa Carter, assisted by Keelin Song, netted the game-winner to seal the 3-0 final. The Tigers' frustration showed with a late hooking penalty to Morgan Nodding, but the night belonged to Burlington's disciplined structure and the clinical finishing of Hayley Thompson.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875