The Burlington Barracudas and Waterloo Ravens engaged in a tense, back-and-forth battle that wasn't decided until the final minutes. The Ravens struck first late in the opening period when Emma McCoubrey finished a play set up by Isla McCoubrey and Madelyn Davies. Waterloo doubled their lead in the second period as Maya Slot found the back of the net, assisted by Alexa Tout and Summer Ropp. Despite being down 2-0, the Barracudas' pressure was building, outshooting the Ravens 14-9 in the middle frame, but they couldn't solve Ravens goaltender Danica Averill.
The third period belonged entirely to Burlington in a stunning offensive explosion. The comeback began just past the halfway mark when Caileigh Tiller, assisted by Addison Butler, cut the deficit in half. Just over four minutes later, Gabrielle Catalano tied the game, converting a setup from Bianca Harte and Madeline Delahunt. The Barracudas completed the dramatic reversal with just over three minutes to play, as Lauren Kruzel potted the game-winner off passes from Chelsea Tiller and Keelin Song. The Ravens, who managed only five shots in the final period, could not muster a response.
Goaltending was a story of two halves. Waterloo's Danica Averill was stellar through forty minutes, turning aside all 24 shots she faced. However, the relentless Barracuda attack broke through for three goals on 17 third-period shots to secure the win. For Burlington, Riley Manna was solid in net, holding the fort during the early deficit and finishing with a strong performance to backstop the comeback victory. The game featured a physical edge with several minor penalties, including a head contact call against Waterloo's Margaret Wathke in the third, but the Barracudas' even-strength dominance proved to be the ultimate difference.
Mississauga Hurricanes #5875