The Nepean Wildcats delivered a commanding performance from start to finish, blanking the Ridley Tigers 5-0 in a U22 Elite matchup. The tone was set early by Wildcats goaltender Dominique Rioux, who turned aside all 24 shots she faced to earn a shutout, while her teammates controlled the play at the other end. The Wildcats opened the scoring late in the first period when Kate Viel, wearing number 77, found the back of the net, with helpers from Jaylee MacKinnon and Breanna Bray. That goal would stand as the game-winner, as Rioux and the Wildcats' defense slammed the door shut.
The middle frame saw the Wildcats extend their lead. Kylie Hollingsworth, number 17, scored an even-strength marker with an assist from Mallea McMullin to make it 2-0. The game was a physical affair, with a parade to the penalty box in the first period that included matching roughing and cross-checking minors. Ridley's penalty kill, led by goalie Grier Cooper, was under constant pressure, facing 35 total shots. Cooper made several key saves to keep her team within reach, but the relentless Wildcats offense proved too much.
Any hope of a Ridley comeback was extinguished in the third period as Nepean poured it on. Maggie Hughson (number 24) scored early to make it 3-0, and Nuala Gibbs (number 29) added another, with Hollingsworth and MacKinnon picking up their second points of the night. The Wildcats capped the scoring on the power play after a major penalty to Ridley's Lily Laporte, with Kylie Hollingsworth netting her second goal of the game, assisted once more by the playmaking Jaylee MacKinnon. The 5-0 final was a testament to a complete team effort by the Wildcats, who showcased stifling defense, opportunistic scoring, and a perfect night from their netminder Dominique Rioux.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875