Ooks capture game three of semi-finals over Queens
Red Deer, AB – The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens gave it their all in game three of the semi-finals, but had challenges solving the NAIT Ooks' defence.
The Ooks received 25 saves from goaltender Kaitlyn Slator and limited the Queens' offensive opportunities, picking up a 2-0 decision. NAIT edged RDP two games to one in the series and advanced to the finals.
"I thought we had a hard time getting to the net area. NAIT did a great job collapsing to the net and boxing everything out," said Kelly Coulter, Queens Hockey Head Coach. "It's hard to get shots through when there are four or five defenders well below the dots. They protected their net well and we just didn't generate."
After a defensive opening frame, the NAIT Ooks capitalized on the power play at 4:13 of the second period to jump ahead 1-0. NAIT's initial shot rang of the left post and Kamryn Aebly charged the net, picking up the rebound and finding room behind Queens goaltender Izzy Palumbo.
With six minutes remaining in the middle frame, the visitors went up 2-0. Ooks fifth-year forward Bre Martin made several moves in the Queens' zone and beat Palumbo on the blocker side.
Kaedence Mollin (11), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student
Neither team could capitalize in the third period and the NAIT Ooks solidified a 2-0 decision.
The RDP Queens went one-for-six on the power play. NAIT connected once on eight opportunities with the extra skater.
"The difference tonight was that their power play was able to score and ours didn't," added Coulter.
Red Deer's Avery Lajeunesse, who is a graduating student-athlete, was named the North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game.
Lajeunesse (22)
"Avery has been a relentless competitor. Tonight, she gave us everything she had. She's going to leave a huge hole for our team to fill," said Coulter. "Players like that don't come along very often. We're going to miss her immensely."
Slator received the Player of the Game honour for the Ooks.
The NAIT Ooks will play the Lakeland College Rustlers for Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) gold. The Rustlers defeated the SAIT Trojans two games to one in the other semi-final.
"We have a fairly big group returning," said Coulter of the 2024/2025 Queens. "Lessons like tonight will drive them for next year."