HUSKIES OPEN SEASON WITH SWEEP2009-10-10

Shutout in the first period, the Huskies scored four unanswered goals including another two from 2008-09 Canada West All-Star Breanne George in the victory.  A night earlier the Huskies won 5-1 at Rutherford Rink on the strength of two power play goals by George.

“It was a great way to start the season,” said Huskie head coach Steve Kook. “Last season, we had problems with consistency on the second night of a weekend series. We worked hard for these two wins. We got the four points but now we need to forget about it and be ready for Calgary next weekend. ”

The Huskies sit tied on top of the standings with a 2-0 record, while Lethbridge drops to 0-2.

Lethbridge opened the scoring on a power play after Amanda Stilborn took a roughing penalty in front of the crease. Brittney Kaye was able to slide the puck past Huskie goaltender Vanessa Frederick.

The Pronghorns dominated the first period peppering Frederick with 13 shots on goal. Lethbridge goalie Ashley Kavanagh faced just three. But it was a different story in the second frame. The Huskies scored three goals outshooting the Pronghorns 18-3.

Just 1:45 into the second period, Kelsey Tulloch fed Julie Paetsch, a transfer from the University of Regina Cougars, a pass at the point. Paetsch’s hard shot from the blue line went straight into the net stick side to tie the game at one. The Huskies were on a man advantage at the time. Pronghorn Shelby Ballendine had taken a boarding penalty. A Danny Stone floater shot from the neutral zone deflected off  Kavanagh’s stick and into the net to give the Huskies the 2-1 lead at 12:49.

George found the net on the next two Huskies’ goals to solidify the win. Paetsch and Kristin Bews found George in front of the net on the power play at 15:16. Her shot went into the net stick side. She added her second at 9:11 in the third period.

Frederick  stopped 24 for the Huskies, while Kavanagh made 28 saves for the Pronghorns.

The Huskies will hit the road next weekend to face the University of Calgary Dinos, who make their return to the CIS after a six season absence. Lethbridge will return home to host the University of Regina Cougars, who were also swept by the University of Alberta Pandas to open the season.