The Brock Badgers women’s hockey team faced off against the Guelph Gryphons on Thursday, Nov. 2nd. Both teams entered the game tied at nine points in five games, setting the stage for an exciting contest. Despite a spirited effort, the Badgers couldn’t overcome the Gryphons, ultimately losing 4-1.
The game got off to a tough start for the Badgers, with the Guelph Gryphons striking first just over six minutes into the first period. Brock’s goaltender, Kenzie Harmison, displayed incredible skills between the pipes, making outstanding saves to keep the deficit at just one goal.
As the first period was winding down, Guelph managed to sneak a shot from the point through the traffic in front of the net, extending their lead to 2-0 to end the opening period.
In the second period, the Badgers looked to find their offensive groove but struggled to stay out of the penalty box. However, their penalty-kill unit stepped up to the challenge and managed to stop the Guelph Gryphons’ attack.
Building on the momentum generated by their penalty-kill success, Brock’s power-play unit managed to get on the scoreboard with just over two minutes left in the second period. Madelyn Walsh, defender for the Badgers, fired a shot from the point, and the puck bounced around in front of the net. Randyll Strongman seized the opportunity and scored her first career OUA goal, closing the gap to 2-1.
Entering the third period, the Badgers were still in the game, but Guelph’s power play finally broke through, extending their lead just over five minutes into the frame.
Brock made valiant efforts to stage a comeback in the third period, but they couldn’t find the back of the net, ultimately falling short. Guelph added an empty-net goal with a minute left, securing a 4-1 victory when the final buzzer sounded.
Madelyn Walsh’s performance in the game was a bright spot for the Badgers, as she notched an assist, bringing her season point total to six. Her contribution from the blue line makes her the league leader in this regard among OUA defenders.
A couple of days later, the Badgers faced off against the University of Waterloo where they lost their second game in a row. Despite four goals being scored, the Badgers were unable to keep the puck out of the net, losing 5-4.
The Badgers are now just below .500 with a 3-4 record. They will face off against Wilfred Laurier University on Nov. 10, followed by a home game against York University on Nov. 11.
For tickets to the Nov. 11 game at Canada Games Park, click here. For more information about the Brock women’s hockey team visit gobadgers.ca, and to watch the Badgers from the comfort of your home go to OUA.tv.
