The Burlington Barracudas rode a dominant shot advantage and a decisive second period to a 3-1 road victory over the Waterloo Ravens. The story of the game was written in the shot totals, with Burlington firing a relentless 42 shots on net compared to Waterloo's 26, a pressure that eventually cracked the Ravens' defense. The first period was a feeling-out process, with Burlington holding a 14-8 edge in shots but failing to beat Waterloo's Danica Averill. The game's complexion changed dramatically in the middle frame, which was marred by penalties and pivotal goals.
The second period erupted with special teams play. Burlington struck first on the power play at the 8:40 mark, with Hayley Thompson converting assists from Chelsea Tiller and Elleh Frigui. Waterloo answered back quickly on their own man-advantage, as Julia Annett found the net, assisted by Margaret Wathke and Addyson Martin, to tie the game at 1-1. However, the tie was short-lived. Just 22 seconds later, Burlington's Chelsea Tiller scored what would stand as the game-winner at even strength, with helpers from Aubrey Biase and Bianca Harte. The period ended in controversy, with a flurry of penalties at the buzzer resulting in 10-minute misconducts for Waterloo staff members Brad Watt and Chad Campbell for maltreatment violations. Before the period closed, Lauren Kruzel added an insurance goal for Burlington, assisted by Keelin Song and Elleh Frigui, to make it 3-1.
The third period saw Burlington continue to control the play, outshooting Waterloo 15-5, and the game grew increasingly chippy. A double-minor for head contact assessed to Waterloo's Lauren Gustafson and another head contact minor to Olivia Weiss highlighted a period where Burlington's Caileigh Tiller also found herself in the box multiple times. Despite the physical play, Burlington goalie Riley Manna was rarely tested, facing only five shots in the final frame to secure the win. While Waterloo's Danica Averill faced a barrage, making 39 saves on 42 shots, the Ravens' offense couldn't muster a comeback, falling to a disciplined Barracudas attack that capitalized on its opportunities to claim the two points.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875