The Burlington Barracudas set the tone early and held off a persistent Cambridge Rivulettes squad to secure a 6-4 victory in a penalty-filled U22 Elite matchup. Burlington's top line was electric from the opening face-off, with Addison Butler and Hayley Thompson connecting just 57 seconds into the game. Thompson would finish the first period with two goals and an assist, while Butler racked up three helpers in the frame. The Rivulettes, despite being outshot 11-5 in the period, stayed close thanks to a goal from Lacey Rivers. However, a late first-period goal by Caileigh Tiller and an early second-period marker from the same player, which stood as the game-winner, gave Burlington a 5-2 lead they would not relinquish.
Cambridge refused to go quietly, battling back on the power play. Reese Reid capitalized on a man-advantage in the second period, and Rachael Burt scored an even-strength goal to keep the pressure on. Barracudas' goalie Mackenzie Ferguson, however, was a steadying presence, turning aside 21 of 25 shots to earn the win. The Rivulettes' penalty trouble proved costly, as Burlington's Chelsea Tiller scored a crucial power-play goal in the third period to extend the lead. Cambridge's Jenna Charron netted a late power-play goal of her own, but it was too little, too late.
The game was a chippy affair, with nine total penalties called, including a double-minor for head contact against Cambridge's Emersyn Miller. Burlington's offensive trio of Thompson (2 goals, 3 assists), Butler (3 assists), and Tiller (2 goals, including the winner) dominated the scoresheet, while Cambridge saw multi-point efforts from Rachael Burt and Reese Reid. In the end, Burlington's explosive start and ability to convert on their chances, outshooting Cambridge 35-25, proved to be the difference in a hard-fought contest.
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