X-Women blank Huskies 3-0

HALIFAX, NS – STFX X-Women goaltender Bianca Zak stopped all 23 shots she faced, lifting the X-Women to a 3-0 shutout win over the Saint Mary's Huskies in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action on Friday night at the Dauphinee Centre.

The first period was a defensive battle, with the Huskies outshooting the X-Women 8-4 through the opening 20 minutes, but goaltenders Ridleigh Hansen and Zak turned away all shots they faced, as the two teams went into intermission scoreless.

STFX opened the scoring 4:21 into the second period, as they were able to dig the puck out of the corner and onto the stick of forward Landyn Pitts who fired a high shot over the shoulder of Hansen.

Saint Mary's generated several quality scoring opportunities but had many shots blocked by X-Women defenders. The Huskies outshot the X-Women 7-6 in the second period, but it was the visitors who took a 1-0 lead into second intermission.

Early in the third period, Hansen made a nice save on forward Ireland McCloskey on a breakaway.

But minutes later the X-Women got a powerplay opportunity and McCloskey tipped in a shot from forward Samantha Morrison, doubling the STFX lead to 2-0.

Saint Mary's continued to push for a goal and had several chances, but were unable to capitalize. With just over three minutes remaining, the Huskies pulled their goaltender and X-Women forward Kalle Hastman scored an empty net goal.

Zak received Player of the Game honours for her shutout performance.

With the win, the X-Women improve to 12-4-0-0 on the season, leading the AUS. STFX will next play on Friday, Jan. 9, as they host the UPEI Panthers (10-6-1-0) at 7 p.m. in Charlottetown, PEI.

The Huskies loss drops their record to 7-7-0-2 on the campaign. Saint Mary's will next play on Friday, Jan. 9, as they host the UNB REDS (12-4-0-0) at 7 p.m. at the Dauphinee Centre.

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Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics