Panthers stymied by Grace Beer's 35-save performance in 2-0 loss to Dalhousie
The UPEI Panthers were shut out by the Dalhousie Tigers 2-0 Friday night, as Tigers' sophomore goaltender Grace Beer stole the show, turning aside 35 shots to secure the victory.
By Thomas Becker
The UPEI Panthers were shut out by the Dalhousie Tigers 2-0 Friday night, as Tigers' sophomore goaltender Grace Beer stole the show, turning aside 35 shots to secure the victory.
Beer was easily the standout player for either side, denying every chance the Panthers (1-3-1) could muster in a game where UPEI outshot their opponent 35-17 but couldn't find the back of the net.
The Tigers (4-1) didn't need much offence with Beer dominating between the pipes, as they found the scoreboard early in the first period. At 2:59, Madison Wardle circled behind the UPEI net and dished a perfect pass to Regan Duffy, who fired a high wrist shot past goaltender Erin Cabaday to give Dalhousie a 1-0 lead.
Despite outshooting the Tigers 14-5 in the opening frame, UPEI could not capitalize on their chances, as Beer repeatedly frustrated the Panthers' attackers.
UPEI kept up the pressure and generated quality chances in the second period, but it was Dalhousie who found the back of the net again. At 16:39, a battle in the corner dislodged the puck, which slid out to Gabrielle Noordijk, who stepped into the right circle and unleashed a perfectly placed high wrist shot over Cabaday's shoulder, extending Dalhousie's lead to 2-0.
The Tigers' defence clamped down in the third period, limiting UPEI's opportunities and preventing any significant threats to Beer's shutout. Though the Panthers fought hard, they couldn't solve the sophomore goalie as Dalhousie held on for the win.
Both teams are set for a quick turnaround on Saturday night. The Panthers look to bounce back will host the Saint Mary's Huskies, while the Tigers travel to Fredericton to take on the St. Thomas Tommies.
Photo Credit: Keaghan Norring
