The Burlington Barracudas and London Devilettes engaged in a back-and-forth battle that saw the home team pull away late for a 5-3 victory. The game started with London seizing the early momentum, as Jayda Houben opened the scoring for the Devilettes just under six minutes into the first period. Burlington answered quickly on the power play, with Gulianna Kalpakis capitalizing on a setup from Elleh Frigui to knot the score at 1-1. The second period saw London's Parker Talbot restore the lead with an even-strength marker, but once again, the Barracudas' power play proved lethal. With London's Colbie Farr in the box for body checking, Gulianna Kalpakis struck again, this time from Lauren Kruzel and Addison Butler, sending the teams into the final frame deadlocked at 2-2.
The third period was a wild, penalty-filled affair that ultimately belonged to Burlington. The Barracudas broke the tie for good just over two minutes into the period when Addison Butler finished a play from Kalpakis and Frigui for the game-winning goal. Just under two minutes later, Lauren Kruzel extended the lead, assisted by Keelin Song and Addyson Lee. London showed resilience, as Grace Gow answered for the Devilettes a mere 21 seconds later to cut the deficit to 4-3, setting up a tense finish. The period was marred by a parade to the penalty box, with five minors called, disrupting any sustained flow. The Barracudas' defense and goaltending held firm under pressure, and Hayley Thompson sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
Individual performances shone brightly in this contest. For Burlington, Gulianna Kalpakis was the offensive catalyst with two power-play goals and an assist, while Elleh Frigui and Addison Butler each contributed two points. The Barracudas' goaltending duo of Mackenzie Ferguson and Riley Manna combined for a perfect save percentage, turning aside all 27 shots they faced to secure the win. For London, Jayda Houben, Parker Talbot, and Grace Gow provided the scoring, with Kennedy Brooks and Emerson Moore each chipping in two assists. Despite a valiant effort and outshooting Burlington 27-26, the Devilettes' penalty trouble and Burlington's clutch special teams play made the difference in a hard-fought OWHL-U22 Elite matchup.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875