The Storm came up with one of its best games in two months to stay in contention at the Brampton tournament. The Aurora team was chippy but that didn't matter as the Storm match them hit for hit. Team speed was once again a factor as the Storm pressed the Aurora defense through the game, crashing the net time after time.
Lauren N scored in the first period on a wrist shot from the point that never left the ice but slipped under the Aurora goalie. Maddy added a second goal in the third period from the deep slot following a bad clearing pass. Late in the period the Panthers pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. Mari took a penalty with 1:23 to play but the Storm withstood the 6 on 4 advantage without bending. Asia earned her 11th shutout and it was well deserved.
The game was not without a casualty as Lauren N went hard into the boards in second period injuring her hand. She finished the game in considerable pain and essentially playing with only one hand on her stick.
The win was the Storms' 13th in just 18 tournament games. Seven of those wins were shutouts. There is no doubt this Storm team is a tournament team.
Meanwhile Burlington defeated Markham-Stouffville by a score of 2-0. That leaves North York and Burlington tied for first place with identical records. Both teams are guaranteed to play in the quarter-finals regardless of the outcome of their game on Saturday afternoon.
12 years ago
