Panthers storm back late to sink Tommies 3-1, extend win streak to three

By Thomas Becker

The UPEI Panthers unleashed a late-game rally, netting three goals in the final 11 minutes to stun the St. Thomas Tommies 3-1 Sunday afternoon to extend their winning streak to three games.

McKinley Nelson, Anjali Simms, and Kaiya Maracle each finished with a goal and an assist, while goaltender Sarah Forsythe turned aside 21 shots in the win.

"We've been sticking to our identity as a team and focusing on the things we're good at, and it's been paying off," Nelson said. "We have to continue to stick to the small habits that define us in these next four games before the break to put ourselves in a good position come January."

However, it was St. Thomas who struck first in the opening period. At 4:15, Katelin Moffatt carried the puck on a rush and set up teammate Trinity Webber with a slick cross-ice pass. Webber's initial wrist shot was denied by Forsythe, but she quickly followed her own rebound and chipped the puck over Forsythe for the early lead.

The Panthers, who struggled to generate much offence in the first period, came back with renewed energy in the second. They controlled the tempo and doubled the Tommies' shots 12-6, but St. Thomas goaltender Chloe Marshall was a wall, turning aside every attempt and maintaining her team's slim one-goal lead heading into the final frame.

The Panthers' offensive intensity finally paid off in the third period. Nelson broke through with 10:57 left in regulation, tipping in a sharp-angle shot from Maracle to even the score.

"I think we knew something was brewing throughout the game; we just needed a bounce to go our way," Nelson said. "Our team feeds off momentum and I think that goal brought a lot of energy to the bench." 

UPEI's momentum grew, and with just under two minutes remaining, Nelson again threatened to break the tie, but her shot was blocked. The Tommies' attempt to clear the puck landed on Simms' stick, and she patiently waited for a clean shot that sailed past Marshall for the go-ahead goal. Just moments later, Maracle sealed the victory with an empty-netter.

The Panthers, now riding high on a three-game win streak, will aim to keep their momentum going Friday night against the St. FX X-Women. Meanwhile, the Tommies, desperate to break a five-game losing skid, will look to bounce back on Wednesday night against the Mount Allison Mounties.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek