Tommies power through 3-2 win over Moncton

The STU Tommies faced a see-saw battle against their provincial foes, the Aigles Bleues on Friday March 26 in an exhibition contest.

The Aigles Bleues faced some undisciplined play in the first period with the Moncton squad taking 4 penalties in the frame, including 6 seconds of 5-on-3 play but able to kill off the Tommies power play chances, despite the Green & Gold posting 10 shots on the board to Moncton's 3.

Teams exchanged goals quickly in the first period with senior Lauren Legault (Winnipeg, MB) scoring just over 6 minutes into the game, but les Aigles responded quickly with a marker 41 seconds later by EDZA West Reds grad Peneloppe Ringuette (Edmundston, NB).

The visitors stormed out of the gate coming out of the 2nd intermission, putting on 5 shots in the first 4 minutes, but STU's Emma Wilson (Midhurst, ON) to retake the lead 2-1.

Moncton continued the pressure adding 16 more shots in the middle period.  Alixia D'amours (Drummondville, QC) missed an open chance while on the power play.  Later, Moncton had a 5-on-3 advantage while St. Thomas was serving penalties and missed their chance to even the score with a shot off the cross bar and two other chances.

5th Year Alex Woods (Courtice, ON) tickled the twine with 4:49 remaning in the 2nd period to further the lead to 3-1.

After serving 8 PIMs in the 3rd, the UdeM were able to cut the lead to 3-2 after a scramble play pushed in by Catherine Longchamps (Airdrie, AB) with 2:24 remaining.

Despite the late pressure, the Tommies defence was able to shut the final push by UdeM

Legault who opened the scoring felt that playing a new team gave a new perspective.  "It felt really good and we knew what we were going up against with Moncton's grit and the agressiveness."

Megan Pardy (Courtice, ON) mentioned that special teams were key in the victory.  "We had been preparing all week on special teams and we're comfortable in those situations, but the team needs to be more disciplined as well.

Coach Peter Murphy says that these exhibition games have been great opportunities at working through power plays.  "Their barn is different, and plays more wide.

"It's a shame that our fans can't be in the building because it's been exciting hockey and feels like playoff hockey." added Coach Murphy.

Both teams will meet again in Moncton Saturday night at the J.L. Levesque Arena in Moncton at 7pm.  With the venue closed to spectators, fans can watch online at 3Sixty.Live.