The East Ottawa Stars came out flying at the start of this U22 Elite matchup, dictating the pace and putting the London Devilettes on their heels. The visitors struck early, with Aniston McCrann opening the scoring just 31 seconds into the game. Their power play then went to work, as Macyn Driver doubled the lead midway through the period, assisted by Annabelle McKenzie and Genevieve Bisson. The Stars' pressure was reflected in a 15-8 shot advantage, and goaltender Madelaine Ouellette was perfect through twenty minutes. The Devilettes, however, began to chip away at the momentum. A key penalty kill late in the first seemed to settle them, and they finally broke through in the second period when Ella McCallum found the back of the net, assisted by Kennedy Brooks, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into the final frame.
The third period was a complete reversal of fortune, authored by London's relentless offensive push and a series of costly Stars penalties. The Devilettes unleashed a staggering 25 shots on goal, completely overwhelming the East Ottawa defense. The comeback began shorthanded, as AJ Smit scored a crucial goal, assisted by Katherine Cameron, to tie the game at 2-2. The parade to the penalty box for the Stars continued, and on a major power play resulting from a kneeing penalty to Angélie Vallée, Emma Bovin delivered the game-winner. Julia McIntosh and Parker Talbot provided the helpers on the decisive power-play marker. London's netminder, Ella Gracey, was a fortress, turning aside all six third-period shots to secure the win after a busy night facing 32 total shots.
This was a tale of two games, with the Stars controlling the early narrative before the Devilettes authored a stunning third-period comeback. Discipline proved to be the difference, as East Ottawa took nine minor penalties, including a major and a double minor, giving London ample opportunity to rally. The Devilettes' special teams were pivotal, scoring both a shorthanded and a power-play goal in the final period. Ella Gracey's steady goaltending provided the backbone for the comeback, while the offensive line led by AJ Smit, Emma Bovin, and Ella McCallum delivered when it mattered most, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory for London.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875