Chisholm Scores OT Winner
(MONCTON, NB) The UNB REDS needed overtime to beat l'Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues 2-1 in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action, in Moncton, on Wednesday night.
Josie Chisholm's (Antigonish, NS) goal at 1:15 of overtime lifted the REDS in the battle of the top two teams in the league.
"Josie came through in such a clutch moment," said REDS' head coach Sarah Hilworth. "We had confidence in her, and to see her finish the way she did in overtime was incredible."
For more than 55 minutes, defence and good goaltending were the biggest factors in the game.
Not until 16:04 of the third period did the first goal come.
With the REDS on the power-play, Jorja Nystrom (Leduc, AB) scored to give UNB the late advantage.
That lead didn't last long as Elodie St-Jacques (St-Jerome, QC) scored at the 18:33 mark to tie the game and force overtime.
"That was a tough moment," said Hilworth. "You have to expect a push from Moncton, especially in the final minutes. The key was to stay composed, trust our game plan, and keep pushing."
Chisholm finished the night with a goal and an assist and was named first star.
Cassie McCallum (Rothesay, NB) made 22 saves on 23 shots in the REDS' net, while Moncton's Annick Boudreau (Memramcook, NB) stopped 27 of the 29 shots UNB sent her way.
The REDS, now 6-1-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL), maintain first place in the AUS standings while Moncton, now 4-1-1-1, sits second.
"I'm really proud of our team," said Coach Hilworth. "It was a hard-fought, fast-paced game from start to finish and we stayed resilient. The energy and focus we brought in overtime made the difference. This was a great team effort and a big step forward for us."
Les Aigles Bleues are on the road for their next game, Saturday, at Dalhousie. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm.
The REDS head to Sackville the same night for a 7:00pm face off with the Mount Allison Mounties.
RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Université de Moncton Athletics