The Stoney Creek Sabres and Barrie Sharks kicked off their OWHL U22 Elite matchup with a frantic first period that saw four goals and four penalties, setting the tone for a special teams battle. The Sabres struck first at the 14:39 mark, with Mikayla Barnes finishing off a play from Mylie Ellis and Aubrey Morrison. The Sharks responded quickly on the penalty kill, as Mae Severn converted a shorthanded chance just over a minute later, assisted by Samantha Larmand. The seesaw period continued in the final minute. With the Sabres on a power play, Barnes netted her second of the night from Ellis and Alyssa Pescetti to regain the lead. But the Sharks had the last word of the period, as Sadie Frantz scored with just one second left on the clock, assisted by Larmand and Madeline McKay, sending the teams to the intermission tied 2-2.
The middle frame settled into a tighter defensive contest, with the game ultimately decided on the power play. After the Sabres killed off a hooking penalty to Addison Beaman, they earned a man-advantage of their own. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Olivia VanSickle delivered what would stand as the game-winning goal at 7:33 of the second period. Pescetti and Ellis picked up the helpers, giving Ellis her third assist of the night. The Sabres' penalty kill, anchored by the steady play of goalie Grace Kipfer, was perfect for the remainder of the game, shutting down multiple Barrie chances.
The third period was a tense, defensive struggle as the Sabres protected their slim lead. The Sharks pressed for the equalizer, outshooting Stoney Creek in the final frame, but Kipfer stood tall in the Sabres' net, turning away all 30 shots she faced for the complete-game victory. Barrie's Avah Sedore was strong in the Sharks' crease as well, making 22 saves in a losing effort. Discipline waned late, with a holding call on Barrie's Madeline McKay and an interference penalty on Stoney Creek's Abigail Ste. Croix, but neither power play could break through. The Sabres' special teams proved the difference, going 2-for-6 on the power play and killing all five of their penalties to secure a hard-fought 3-2 win.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875