Hockey X-Women ice 2 victories

The X-Women hockey season opened AUS regular season competition with a pair of victories over New Brunswick opponents. Friday night at the StFX Keating Centre, the X-Women earned a 5-1 win over St. Thomas, and followed up with a Saturday night win over defending AUS champion Moncton by a 2-1 score.

Saturday’s win was a hard fought victory, as veteran X-Women forward Jessica Shanahan notched the game winner 9:52 into the third period. Abygail Laking and Catie Gavin assisted on the goal.

Gavin had opened the scoring in the game in the second period, just 1:27 in, with her linemates Shanahan and Laking assisting on the play. Moncton’s Janelle Ouellet scored there only goal, a second period marker at 7:15.

All three goals were even strength as both teams played a disciplined game, with X having only one power play opportunity and Moncton trying on two occasions with the advantage.

The X-Women outshot the Aigles Bleues 39-28 and Katie Harvieux picked up the win in nets for StFX. Reigning AUS Most Valuable Player Kathy Desjardins took the loss for Moncton.

On Friday night in Antigonish, the X-Women jumped out to an early 3-0 first period lead with the three goals scored within a one minute time span.

Abygail Laking initiated the scoring frenzy for the X-Women with a power play goal scored at 5:54. Daniela Falconio followed up with their second goal just 37 second later and Marilynn Hay rounded out the attack with an even strength goal at 6:54.

Lecrece Nussbaum would score the Tommies only goal before the first period was over, notching a power play marker at 13:20.

The X-Women added single goals in the second and third periods en route to the win. Suzanne Fenerty scored on the power play early in the second period (2:59) and Falconio followed up with her second goal of the game at 12:33 into the third. Jenna Downey had 2 assists on the night for StFX.

First year netminder Katie Greenway earned her first AUS regular season victory for the X-Women while Julia Sharun took the loss for the Tommies. Greenway had 16 saves as the X-Women out shot st. Thomas by a 29-17 margin.

Next on the schedule for StFX is a game in Halifax on Friday night against the Dalhousie Tigers (1-1), followed by a home game Saturday evening at 7:00 pm when X will host the Saint Mary’s Huskies (2-0).