The Barrie Sharks used a lethal power play to seize control early and never looked back, defeating the Bluewater Hawks 4-1 in a U22 Elite matchup. The tone was set in the first period when the Hawks' penalty troubles began. With Bluewater's Skylar Doxtator in the box for cross-checking, the Sharks' power play unit went to work. At the 3:50 mark, Jennifer Keller, wearing #29, opened the scoring with a crucial man-advantage goal, assisted by Madeline McKay and Sadie Frantz. The Sharks carried that momentum, outshooting the Hawks 15-9 in the opening frame and establishing a forecheck that would lead to more opportunities.
The second period was where the game was decisively won, fueled almost entirely by special teams. The Hawks found themselves in deep penalty trouble, including a double-minor for head contact assessed to Hannah Ahlberg. The Sharks' power play capitalized ruthlessly. Madeline McKay (#13) scored what would stand as the game-winner on the power play at 13:59, with Keller returning the favor with an assist. Just 58 seconds later, Sonia Mehta (#10) made it 3-0, with Tayah Wallace and Kate Stuart helping on another power-play tally. The Hawks managed to break through on their own power play when Charlotte Richardson (#17) scored at 10:47, assisted by Mya Thorne, to make it 3-1. However, Jennifer Keller snuffed out any hope of a comeback, completing her multi-point night with an even-strength goal at 1:43, again set up by the playmaking of Madeline McKay.
The third period saw the Sharks comfortably protect their lead, limiting the Hawks to just 9 shots while taking 13 of their own. Bluewater goaltender Kayla Taff faced a barrage all night, with the Sharks firing 48 shots total. At the other end, Barrie's Ryleigh Maxwell was a steady presence in net, turning aside 25 of 26 shots to secure the victory. The Sharks' special teams were the undeniable story, converting on three of their numerous power-play chances while their penalty kill held firm aside from the lone Hawks' goal. The disciplined, high-pressure performance from Barrie proved too much for a Bluewater squad that spent too much time in the penalty box.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875