The Stoney Creek Sabres used a pair of first-period goals to set the tone and never looked back, securing a 5-2 road victory over the Durham West Lightning. The game started with a bang as the Sabres' Aubrey Morrison opened the scoring late in the first period, assisted by Mikayla Barnes and Adison White. The Lightning responded quickly on the power play, with Pippa Green finding the back of the net off helpers from Allie Mitchell and Caprie Chaulk to tie the game. However, with just one second remaining in the opening frame, Olivia Nelson delivered a crushing blow for Stoney Creek, assisted by Olivia VanSickle and Alyssa Pescetti, to reclaim a lead they would not relinquish.
The second period saw the Sabres extend their advantage with what would prove to be the game-winner. Just over four minutes in, Sadie Allen converted a pass from Claire Sanford to make it 3-1. The middle frame was a physical one, with penalties assessed to both sides, including a cross-checking call on Stoney Creek's Addison Beaman and minors to Durham West's Peyton Fleming and Pippa Green. Despite outshooting the Sabres 15-11 in the period, the Lightning could not solve goaltender Machala Musty, who was a wall all night.
Durham West pushed hard in the third, unleashing 19 shots, but the Sabres' defense and Musty held firm. Aubrey Morrison netted her second of the game early in the period to make it 4-1, with Adison White and Mikayla Barnes picking up their second assists of the night. The Lightning's Peyton Fleming managed to cut the deficit to two with a goal assisted by Allie Mitchell, but that was as close as they would come. With the Lightning net empty in a desperate push, Mikayla Barnes sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, assisted by Adison White who finished with a three-helper night. Sabres goalie Machala Musty was the undisputed star, turning aside all 47 shots she faced for a spectacular shutout performance, while her team capitalized on their chances to skate away with a decisive win.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875