The Barrie Sharks struck first on home ice in this U22 Elite matchup, as Adrielle Charette, wearing number 77, found the back of the net midway through the opening period. Assists from Kate Stuart and Samantha Larmand gave the Sharks an early lead, but the Nepean Wildcats responded before the intermission. Jordan Mulvihill, number 94, knotted the game at 1-1 with assists from Breanna Bray and Rio Francis, setting the stage for a tense battle. The second period saw special teams take center stage. Despite taking a tripping penalty, the Sharks' penalty kill turned into an offensive opportunity. Captain Samantha Larmand, number 17, showcased her leadership by scoring a shorthanded goal, assisted by Jennifer Keller, to reclaim a 2-1 lead for Barrie. The period was a chippy one, with four minor penalties called, but the Sharks' goalie Avah Sedore stood tall, turning away all seven shots she faced in the frame to protect the slim advantage.
The final period, however, belonged to the visiting Wildcats. They turned up the pressure, unleashing 13 shots on Sedore. The relentless attack paid off when Alessia Longo, number 90, scored the equalizer just past the halfway mark, with Sydney Semiga and Jordan Mulvihill picking up the helpers. Just over four minutes later, the Wildcats completed the comeback. Breanna Bray, number 2, who had an assist earlier, netted the game-winning goal, with Jaylee MacKinnon and Carly O'Connor providing the setup. The Sharks pushed for a late equalizer but were stymied by the Wildcats' defensive effort, which held Barrie to just six third-period shots. Despite a strong 24-save performance from Avah Sedore, the Sharks fell just short. The Wildcats' goaltending, while not individually tracked in the stats, was effective enough to secure the 3-2 victory, anchored by a defense that limited high-danger chances as the clock wound down.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875