(MONTREAL, QC) The UNB REDS fell just short of a perfect weekend, dropping the title game of the Theresa Humes Cup preseason tournament, at Concordia University, in a shootout.
L'Universite de Montreal Carabins, hosts of the 2023 U SPORTS women's hockey championship, won the six-team tournament with their 2-1 win.
In a field of national championship contenders, the REDS more than held their own, scoring wins over the McGill Martlets and the host Concordia Stingers, the defending national women's hockey champs.
"We came to Montreal looking for ways to grow and improve as a team and we certainly were able to see some great moments from all of our players," said REDS head coach Sarah Hilworth. "We didn't come looking for results, but for moments of success that we can build into our regular season."
On Friday, the REDS got a pair of goals from veteran forward Ashley Stratton in a 4-2 win over McGill.
On Saturday, captain Paige Grenier scored the overtime winner in a 3-2 triumph over the host Stingers.
On Sunday, Frederike Cyr scored in the REDS' 2-1 loss.
Veteran REDS goaltender Kendra Woodland was named the tournament MVP.
"Even though we didn't come out with the win in the final game, it's something we can build off when those final game opportunities present themselves again," said Woodland. "The national stage hasn't seen the last of us."
Woodland and defender Jenna MacLean were named tournament all-stars.
"Kendra and Cassie McCallum both had a fantastic weekend," said Hilworth. "They gave us every opportunity to find success in the games they played."
"Stratton and Tamina Kehler were able to find the magic they've had in previous years, and Jenna was the dynamic and exciting player we know she is," added the coach.
Facing the likes of McGill and Concordia and Montreal was just what Hilworth wanted as she prepares to lead the REDS in their defence of their 2021-22 Atlantic University Sport title.
"We play in a competitive conference. We have hard games ahead," she said. "Replicating tough games against teams that were or should be at the national championship tournament was a good prep for our group."
"I think we've been seeing ourselves as underdogs for a while," said Hilworth. "We're starting to change that narrative. We're contenders now."
While Hilworth was happy to see individuals shine, she says she was pleased to see the group come together.
"I think, as a group, we're stronger."
Next up for the REDS, another NCAA opponent.
The REDS travel to Rindge, New Hampshire, for an October 1st exhibition game against the Ravens, at Franklin Pierce University.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTO BT: Liam Mahoney/Concordia Athletics