Fournier and Queens drop visiting Broncos 3-1

Brent Forster - RDC

Red Deer, AB - Despite earning one point on Thursday night, the Red Deer College Queens and coaching staff were happier with their game against the Olds College Broncos 24 hours later at home, downing the visitors 3-1 and capturing three of a possible four points in the standings. 

After a scoreless first period, Jenessa Fournier put the Queens on top with 1:43 remaining in the middle frame. 

Olds College responded at 2:27 of the third. Megan Quesnel and Brekell Otto set up Danielle Corrigan for the equalizer. Then less than seven minutes later, Kaitlan Linnell struck on the power play. Victoria Johnston and Neisha Germann had the helpers on the go-ahead-goal. 

Colby Brochu Photography

As time was winding down, the Broncos pulled Lexi Bruce for the extra attacker but Sydnee Decorby capitalized on the open net with 1:21 left in the game, and the Queens eventually locked down a 3-1 decision at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. Mariah McKersie recorded the lone assist.

Miranda Cook played well in net, turning aside 19 out of 20 shots (0.950) for RDC. Lexi Bruce made 16 saves (0.889) for Olds College.

Miranda Cook (31) Colby Brochu Photography

Head Coach Kelly Coulter liked the effort and noted improvement in managing the game. "I thought that we played a lot smarter game tonight," he says. "Yesterday, we worked hard but not smart in terms of taking too long of shifts and changing on the wrong side of the puck." 

The Queens have earned nine of a possible 12 points in the standings the past three weeks. "It seems like the past three weekends have been a playoff style," says Coulter. "It's been more physical and a little tighter checking. The girls need to rest, buy in and do it for each other."

Catherine Longchamps (7) Colby Brochu Photography

The RDC Queens have been bitten by the injury bug and will use a rare Saturday off to recharge. "Camryn Wallan, Ashley Sutherland and Jessi-Lynn Sumaling are probably long term injuries. Shelby Ballan is out for the year," says Coulter. "We have a couple of girls who are nursing some injuries but are playing through them like hockey players do. So, we are fortunate and it will be nice to have the day off."

Jenessa Fournier was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game. Danielle Corrigan received the honour for the Broncos.

"Jenessa had two strong offensive games. She has skill and did the simple things - she went to the net and got rewarded like I'd say for 80 per cent of our goals," says Coulter. "I didn't realize she hadn't scored an ACAC goal yet, so I was very happy for her. With good habits, in due time something will happen, so it was nice that it came true tonight."

On Friday, February 8, the third place RDC Queens (8-8-4-0) will host the MacEwan University Griffins (13-4-1-0) at 7:00 p.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.