Ooks over Queens in Edmonton

Brent Forster - RDC

Edmonton, AB - The visiting Red Deer College Queens were within a goal but the NAIT Ooks capitalized on a couple of opportunities in the third period, picking up a 4-1 home win. 

After a scoreless opening frame, NAIT's Megan Leblanc struck twice in the second period to give the Ooks a 2-0 lead.

In the third, Red Deer's Mairead Bast, a Business Administration student, beat Kaitlyn Slator on the power play to bring her Queens within a tally. Less than three minutes later, Julia Wing gave the Ooks a two goal cushion with the extra skater and Verca Kuzelova rounded out NAIT's scoring into an empty net with 1:06 remaining. The NAIT Ooks picked up a 4-1 home win. 

Mairead Bast (18) Photo - Tony Hansen

Kelly Coulter, Queens Head Coach, would like to see his team improve its puck management in the rematch. "We need to generate more offence and manage the puck better in the offensive zone, as we had too many shots blocked," he says. "Turnovers and mistakes were too costly tonight."

RDC's Karlee Fetch stopped 21 out of 24 shots. NAIT's Kaitlyn Slator made 20 saves on 21 RDC attempts. The Queens went 1-for-2 on the power play while the Ooks connected once in four tries. 

Jessi-Lynn Sumaling was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game with a strong effort. Megan Leblanc captured the award for the Ooks with a pair of goals. 

Jessi-Lynn Sumaling (19)  Photo - Tony Hansen

On Saturday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m., the RDC Queens (4-5) will entertain the NAIT Ooks (9-2) at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.