Sumaling and Queens win weekend series over visiting Broncos

Brent Forster - RDC

Red Deer, AB – Special teams were once again a positive factor for the RDC Queens against the Olds College Broncos. The Queens' power play clicked at 20 per cent efficiency and their penalty kill was successful on all three occasions, helping them dispatch of the visitors 3-2 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

RDC President Dr. Peter Nunoda participated in the ceremonial face-off

The RDC Queens' penalty killing was perfect in their season opener and they were put to the test 22 seconds into the rematch. A flawless effort seemed to spark the home team.

After a few chances, the RDC Queens capitalized on their fifth shot. At 8:30, Ashley Sutherland's wrist shot from inside the blue line found Jessi-Lynn Sumaling, who made a nice deflection behind Broncos goaltender Victoria Eilers.

"I liked the goals that we scored tonight - right around the net, where we want the girls to be," says Queens Head Coach Kelly Coulter. "Jessi was a perfect example of that, just getting to the net around those dirty areas." 

Queens goalkeeper Madison Fox, who received her first start in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), contended with two shots over the opening 20 minutes. While not overly busy, the Bachelor of Science Nursing student, made a nice right pad save on a partial breakaway to keep her team ahead. Eilers, a second-year goalie from Virden, Manitoba, was tested 12 times.

The Broncos had an energetic start to the second period, but that momentum was stalled when they went down a skater. At 6:03 on the power play, RDC's Ashley Sutherland snuck in from her defensive position and capitalized on a loose puck, giving RDC a two goal cushion. Forward Camryn Wallan had the lone assist.

Ashley Sutherland (7)

Less than two minutes later, the Queens extended their lead to three. Jessi-Lynn Sumaling set up Braxtyn Shawara in front for her first goal in the ACAC. The Bachelor of Education Elementary student quickly released a shot past Eilers' blocker. Red Deer's Avery Lajeunnesse also picked up an assist.

Braxtyn Shawara (55)

"It was a great feed Jessi made to Braxtyn and a nice finish," says Coulter. "We knew that's what she would bring to the table."

The Olds College Broncos tried to claw back into the game in the third period. At 2:43, the Broncos got on the board. Maddy Black circled behind the Queens' net and spotted Brianna Marsh in front. The first-year from Alder Point, Nova Scotia beat Fox on the glove side, pulling Olds College within a pair. Eight minutes later, the Broncos struck again. Third-year forward Karli Frederick raced up the right side and found open net high on the short side. Kali Cummings and Sarah Jarvis recorded the helpers.

Broncos Head Coach Chris Leeming pulled Eilers with 57 seconds remaining, but they couldn't find the equalizer. The RDC Queens finalized a 3-2 home decision and Fox earned her first win in the ACAC. 

This weekend, the Queens found a lot of success around the net, which has been part of the game plan shared by Coulter and the coaching staff.

"They are receiving that message well, that they have to play in that area. They are starting to gel together and see some continuity among the lines," says Coulter. "I'd still like to see us play 60 minutes and manage the puck a little bit more, but overall I'm very happy with the opening weekend."

Jessi-Lynn Sumaling was recognized as the Collegiate Sports Medicine Queens Player-of-the-Game. Brianna Marsh received the honour for the Broncos.

"Jessi is a smart hockey player. She is not afraid to get into those hard areas. She uses her body well - blocks shots and does a lot of little things well which is something that's always impressed me the first time I watched her," says Coulter. "She's a competitor. She plays the game the right way and I'll enjoy watching her continue to grow as a player in our league."

Defender Ashley Sutherland had another strong game, with a goal and an assist while playing well in her own zone. Her ability to get pucks through traffic has been an offensive driving force.

"We've been practicing trying to get pucks in the good shooting areas and move the puck to create open seams. Ashley is doing a really good job reading it and being around the net," says Coulter. "When you have the power play, if you can get the puck around the net, hopefully you get rewarded and she's been rewarded two nights in a row. It's been nice to see because she's a real leader on our team and works extremely hard. We're extremely proud of her."

The Queens outshot the Broncos 31-13.

Madison Fox (33) made 11 saves in her debut

RDC connected on one-of-five power play attempts. Olds College went zero-for-three with the extra skater. 

On Friday, October 25, the Queens (2-0-0) will host the SAIT Trojans (0-0-0) at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at 7:00 p.m. The Broncos (0-2-0) will be in action on Thursday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. against the NAIT Ooks (0-1-0) in Olds.