SASKATOON –
Tory Micklash set a new program record for career Canada West wins while
Hannah Koroll scored the only goal of the game as the UBC Thunderbirds completed the weekend sweep with a 1-0 win over the Saskatchewan Huskies Saturday night at Merlis Belsher Place.
The goal was Koroll's third tally of the season while Micklash made 18 saves for her fourth shutout of the season and her 40th victory of her UBC career, setting a new team record previously held by
Danielle Dube.
With the win UBC moves to 7-2-2 on the season and takes over sole possession of first place in the Canada West. Saskatchewan meanwhile is currently 5-3-3 and tied for third in the conference.
"It was a gritty win tonight, Tory was very solid for us when we needed her," said UBC head coach
Graham Thomas. "We were on our heels after the first as the Huskies came out very hard. We found a way to dig deep and elevate our game. We played as a team and found a way to win."
Saskatchewan had their chances in the first period. The Huskies put the pressure on and gained a couple power play opportunities for their efforts but were just unable to find a way past a strong Thunderbirds penalty kill en route to a 0-0 tie after one period of action.
After successfully killing off a penalty at the mid-way mark of the second frame, the Huskies headed right back onto the kill and this time the visitors made them pay.
Rylind MacKinnon let a blast go from the point that rung off iron behind Jessica Vance in the Huskies' net and just when it seemed the danger was gone, the puck found its way to Koroll who calmly finished off some nice puck movement for the goal.
Mikayla Ogrodniczuk and MacKinnon registered assists on the marker.
Saskatchewan nearly responded later in the frame but an effort from Leah Bohlken bounced off the post, keeping the score at 1-0 through 40 minutes of play.
The Huskies piled on the pressure late in the third, compiling seven shots on net but the combination of Micklash and a stout defence kept the Huskies off the scoresheet.
Both of these teams will be on a bye next week before returning to action. The Huskies will travel to Winnipeg to take on the Bisons while the Thunderbirds will play the Pronghorns in Lethbridge.
