Anjali Simms delivers in overtime, leads Panthers to first win
In storybook fashion, rookie defender Anjali Simms not only secured a thrilling overtime victory for the UPEI Panthers, but she also netted her first career goal in the process.
By Thomas Becker
In storybook fashion, rookie defender Anjali Simms not only secured a thrilling overtime victory for the UPEI Panthers, but she also netted her first career goal in the process.
The Panthers (1-4) and the Mount Allison Mounties battled fiercely throughout regulation, and it was clear that the outcome would hinge on a single decisive play. That moment belonged to Anjali Simms.
Simms took a loose puck from the neutral and split a pair of defenders with a burst of speed before tucking a backhand under the crossbar for the winning goal at 1:16.
After the game, Simms reflected on the milestone.
"It feels pretty surreal. It's really just an honour playing for the team and contributing towards a win," she said.
In the opening period of a tightly contested game, the Panthers asserted themselves in the shots department, outshooting their opponent 10-6. Despite the shot advantage, both teams showcased solid defensive play, with each goaltender making key saves to keep the game level.
UPEI broke the deadlock at 2:36 of the second period when Lexie Murphy skated around the corner and centred a pass to Sophie Bujold, who flicked a quick shot past netminder Hannah Pagdato.
The Mounties (0-4-1) still had plenty to say in the game and found the equalizer on power play goal at 11:21 of the third period. The puck cycled to Island Bernard-Docker, who delivered a pass to Chelsea Krahenbil in the right circle where she floated a wrist shot by goaltender Eric Cabaday. Cabaday finished with 23 saves in her first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) win.
The final 8:39 solved nothing and in the extra frame, Simms propelled UPEI to their first win of the season with the impressive goal.
Simms said she expects the team to build off this and rack up the wins.
"We're a good team and I think we can beat a lot of teams in this conference. I believe this is just the start, we just need the confidence and a sureness that we can do it."
The Panthers are back at it Sunday at 4 p.m. when they take on the Saint Mary's Huskies, while the Mounties will battle the Huskies on Oct. 27.
Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek
