WINNIPEG - Back-to-back goals by Nellie Minshull helped propel the No.6-ranked Manitoba Bison past the UBC Thunderbirds Saturday night at Max Bell Arena. Manitoba swept the weekend series against the 'Birds with a 4-1 victory to extend their unbeaten streak to eight games.
"I was very happy with the effort our team gave tonight. We had a number of players, even with injuries and illness, step up admirably. It's been a long stretch, with our bye in the first week, so now we need to heal up and get ready for the next half of the season," said UBC head coach Nancy Wilson.
Minshull helped the Bison take control of the third period when she emerged from a scramble in front of the net and slid the puck past UBC goaltender
Melinda Choy. She then went on to cap off a strong night with her second marker later in the final frame. Minshull fought through a UBC check and forced the puck into the net as she crashed to the ice. Her second goal gave the Bisons a lead they would not relinquish as an empty net goal sealed the victory for the home side.
"We definitely had our chances tonight to take the lead or tie it late but couldn't convert," added Wilson. "Overall it was a good effort but obviously we are a bit disappointed to come away with the loss."
UBC found themselves in a hole early as Manitoba took the lead less than three minutes into the game. Michelle Pawluk slipped the puck up to Jordyn Hrehirchuk who gained the UBC zone and snuck the puck into the top right corner.
The T-Birds would fight back and make their presence known to the host Bisons. By crashing the net, UBC managed to get Bison goaltender Tara Lacquette out of place and almost slide the puck into an empty net. However, a Bison player managed to scoop the puck out of the crease before it crossed the line. The Thunderbirds sustained their pressure and scored at the 17:30 mark of the period.
Alisha Choy's cross-crease pass found the stick of
Kirsten Mihalcheon who made the most of the opportunity and buried her shot on Lacquette's open stick-side.
In the second period it was goalkeeping that stole the spotlight with strong performances by both Choy and Lacquette. Choy stoned Bison Tammy Brade on a breakaway with her left pad her best save of the 20 she made on the night. Lacquette turned away 17 of 18 shots.
Manitoba head to Alberta to take on the Pandas on November 26th and 27th. For the Thunderbirds it was their final game of 2010. They begin the second half of the season on January 7th and 8th when they host the Alberta Pandas.
-30-
