The Bluewater Hawks staged a dramatic third-period comeback to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Stoney Creek Sabres in a tense U22 Elite matchup. The game began with the Sabres seizing early momentum, as Aubrey Morrison, assisted by Mikayla Barnes and Mylie Ellis, found the back of the net just 37 seconds into the first period. Stoney Creek extended their lead in the second period when Ivy Johnston, set up by Clara Stanley, scored to make it 2-0. The Sabres' physical play, however, began to cost them, as they took four minor penalties in the middle frame, giving the Hawks crucial power play opportunities they would later capitalize on.
Despite trailing by two goals, the Hawks maintained consistent offensive pressure, ultimately outshooting the Sabres 33-25. Their persistence paid off in the final period. Charlotte Richardson broke the shutout at the 8:28 mark, with assists from Skylar Doxtator and Mya Thorne, injecting new life into the Bluewater bench. Just over five minutes later, Abigayle Van Bakel completed the comeback, tying the game with another helper from the playmaking Mya Thorne. The game-winner came from an unlikely source, as the Hawks' penalty kill unit held strong late in the third. With the Sabres' Mikayla Barnes in the box for cross-checking in the final minute of overtime, the Hawks managed to find the decisive goal to seal a 3-2 win.
The game was a penalty-filled affair, with Stoney Creek taking seven minors to Bluewater's three, a disparity that ultimately swung the momentum. While specific goalie stats were not tracked, the Hawks' netminder faced a barrage of 25 shots and made several key saves, especially during the Sabres' early surge, to keep her team within striking distance. For the Hawks, the duo of Charlotte Richardson and Abigayle Van Bakel provided the crucial offense, while Mya Thorne's two-assist performance was instrumental in the rally. The Sabres' early two-goal lead, built by Morrison and Johnston, wasn't enough to withstand the Hawks' relentless third-period push in a game that showcased resilience and special teams execution.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875