The Nepean Wildcats seized control early and never looked back, defeating the Waterloo Ravens 5-2 in a penalty-filled U22 Elite matchup. The Wildcats' offensive pressure was relentless from the opening puck drop, outshooting the Ravens 13-5 in the first period. They capitalized on their early momentum with a power-play goal from Jaylee MacKinnon, assisted by Maggie Hughson and Kylie Hollingsworth, just 39 seconds after a Waterloo penalty. Mallea McMullin doubled the lead before the period was out, finishing a feed from MacKinnon to give Nepean a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the intermission.
The second period saw the game's physical intensity spike, with five minor penalties and two double-minors for head contact called. Despite the chaotic flow, the Wildcats expertly managed the special teams battle. After Waterloo's Julia Annett cut the deficit to 2-1 early in the frame, Nepean responded emphatically. Jordan Mulvihill restored the two-goal cushion with a power-play marker, which would stand as the game-winner. Then, with a Wildcats player in the box, Mallea McMullin struck again for a crucial shorthanded goal, completing a multi-point night with an assist from Mulvihill to make it 4-1. The Ravens' penalty kill was under constant siege, facing a significant shot disadvantage as Nepean finished with 33 shots to Waterloo's 23.
Waterloo showed a spark in the third, with Isla McCoubrey scoring off assists from Alexa Tout and Maya Slot to bring the score to 4-2. However, any hope of a comeback was extinguished just 31 seconds later when Nepean's Carly O'Connor answered immediately, assisted by the night's standout McMullin and Athena Casey. The period featured more heavy hits and penalties, including another double-minor for head contact, but the Wildcats' defense and implied goaltending held firm to secure the 5-2 victory. Mallea McMullin led the way for Nepean with two goals and an assist, while the Ravens' Teagan Mason faced a heavy workload in net for Waterloo.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875