Box Score Toronto, ON - The Mustangs season opener ends with a 3-1 loss to the Varsity Blues after a well fought game.
Yesterday night marked the Western Mustangs women's hockey 2023-2024 season opener against the Toronto Varsity Blues.
The Varsity Blues had a tough loss last night against Nipissing and therefore are looking to come back hard tonight, although, the Mustangs also want to start their season off right with a big win in Toronto.
The beginning of the first period start with a couple rushes from both teams which lead to multiple scoring opportunities but both teams defenders hold tight for their teams. The majority of the first period is very back and forth between the two ends of the ice as both teams are well matched up. Halfway through the first period, the Varsity Blues are testing Mustangs goalie, Ella Brabrook, but she does not allow any pucks by her. On the other side of the ice, the Varsity Blues goalie, Erica Fryer, has not had a shot on goal.
With 5 minutes left in period 1, Varsity Blues Olivia Hilton opens the scoring of the game with a shot going into the top corner of the Mustangs net increasing the scoreboard 1-0 for the home team. The score remains the same until the end of the first period.
Both teams come to the second period with high energy as the Mustang are eager to tie the game up, and they do within the first few minutes of the second period. Adeline Kristoff gets the first goal of the Mustangs season and also puts her team on the board!
Unfortunately, shortly after, Taylor Trussler from the Varsity Blues responds with a second goal, regaining their lead for her team, and bringing the scoreboard to 2-1.
The last of the second period continues much as the first bit of the game has been, with many back and forth scoring opportunities from both teams yet neither can capitalize on them, ending the second period 2-1 for the Varsity Blues.
The Mustangs are in a striking position as they are only down by 1 as the third period starts. The Varsity Blues defence are blocking the majority of the shots the Mustangs take on Fryer therefore making it difficult for the Mustangs offence. Both teams are playing hard with half of the third period left in the Mustangs seasoner opener. Multiple scrambles created by the Varsity Blues in front of the Mustangs net tests Brabook, but she plays her game and is strong for her team, not letting a puck through. Although, when the Mustangs pull Brabrook for one last push, the Varsity Blues get an open net goal, ending the game 3-1.Â
The Mustangs next game will be Friday, October 20th, against Toronto Metropolitan University at 7:00pm in London. Be sure to check out the live action of that game at OUA.tv.
