The Waterloo Ravens executed a textbook road victory, shutting out the Cambridge Rivulettes 4-0 in a game defined by opportunistic scoring and stellar goaltending. The tone was set early when Waterloo's Alexa Tout, wearing number 9, found the back of the net just 1:25 into the first period, assisted by Maya Slot. That early goal, which would stand as the game-winner, put Cambridge on their heels despite the Rivulettes outshooting the Ravens 14-9 in the opening frame. The period was a chippy affair, featuring six minor penalties between the teams, including a late bench minor for too many players against Cambridge, but Waterloo's defense and goaltender Danica Averill held firm.
The Ravens extended their lead in the second period when Madelyn Davies, number 13, scored an even-strength marker. Cambridge continued to press, generating another nine shots, but could not solve Averill. The Rivulettes' frustration began to show as they took a pair of penalties for interference and body checking by Sara Hillock and Rachael Burt. Waterloo's discipline wavered briefly with minors to Allison Gauley for boarding and Lauren Sauve for unsportsmanlike conduct, but their penalty kill remained perfect, protecting the 2-0 lead heading into the final period.
Any hope of a Cambridge comeback was extinguished in the third period. With Rivulettes' defender Maryn Broderick in the box for body checking, Waterloo's power play capitalized. Maya Slot, number 66, converted a setup from Summer Ropp to make it 3-0. The Ravens then sealed the deal with an empty-net goal from Ropp herself, assisted by her earlier helper Slot, for the 4-0 final. The story of the night was the flawless performance of Ravens' goalie Danica Averill, who turned aside all 32 shots she faced for a well-earned shutout. Despite a significant 32-24 shot advantage, the Cambridge Rivulettes, with Addison Mitchell in net for most of the contest, were repeatedly denied in a frustrating offensive outing.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875