LANGLEY, B.C. – A third period tally by Addie Miles allowed the No. 6-ranked Manitoba Bisons to escape with a 2-1 victory over a determined UBC Thunderbirds side Friday night at the George Preston Arena.
The Thunderbirds (7-11-1), hosting in Langley after being forced out of the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre for Olympic related preparations, suffered a setback to their playoff hopes as they were unable to move ahead of idle Regina and into sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot.
Miles' marker came at 11:44 of the third period when she stole the puck along the right boards. The third-year winger then cut towards the middle and fired a shot on UBC keeper
Melinda Choy who made the initial stop. The rebound fluttered across the crease where Miles tracked it down and swiped the puck past Choy who had lost sight of the puck. The win marks the Bisons' (15-4-0) third consecutive one-goal victory.
The Thunderbirds opened the scoring at 3:56 of the first period when
Claire Wong's outlet pass found an open
Tamara Pickford. Pickford's initial shot was stopped by Manitoba goalie Tara Lacquette who couldn't control the rebound.
Alisha Choy tracked down the loose puck from the ensuing scrum and roofed a backhander over a sprawled Lacquette.
Team captain Amy Coates replied for the Bisons mid-way through the second stanza. Following a lengthy 5 on 3 advantage Andi Wilgosh intercepted a UBC clearing attempt and fed a cross-ice pass to Coates who's wrister beat Choy low glove side just inside the post to equalize.
The T-Birds had a chance to regain the lead late in the seocnd when
Kelsey Halvorson's shot was stopped by Lacquette the then rebound ricocheted off Pickford landing in front of the open net but no T-Birds were able to get a stick on the loose puck.
Melinda Choy was once again solid in making 24 saves for the 'Birds while Lacquette made 21 saves for the visitors.
Neither team was able to capitalize on the powerplay despite numerous chances with the man advantage. UBC was 0-5 with the extra man but were able to kill off all six Manitoba power plays.
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These two teams will square off again on Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. at the George Preston Arena.
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