After a heartbreaking a week ago, Team Red came out and dominated Team Blue winning by a 3-0 score in the second game of the ESWHL season in Hudson, N.H.
Despite only getting back on the ice last week, these ladies were in mid-season form. Especially goaltender Katie Burt, who was again between the pipes for Team Red as she picked up the first shutout of the ESWHL young season.
Burt was unbelievable in Game 2 for Team Red. From the drop of the puck, Burt was going to make sure her team was going to win. Her hard work paid off as she stopped all the shots she faced. The closest Team White came to scoring on Burt was with a minute left in the second half when a shot rang off the post. Burt stood strong through the relentless attack of Team Blue. She got first-star honours.
Team Red got the early lead after buzzing around the Team Blue zone on a goal by Alex Carpenter about nine minutes into the first half. Carpenter, a veteran of the USA Women’s National Team, was making her EWSHL debut and immediately made an impact for the Team Red. Helping set up the first goal was defenceman Maddie Crowley-Cahill, who registered her first point of the season after making her debut last week.
As the half continued on Team Red continued their domination of Team Blue. However, if it was not for goaltender Jessica Strack this game might have gotten out of hand real quick. Strack played really well for Team Blue. Strack never wilted even though her team was down 3-0 after the first half. Strack stopped numerous chances in the second half including stopping Michaela Boyle, who scored late in the first half, on a breakaway that would have iced the game.
Another veteran of the Women’s National Team and PWHPA member, Kali Flanagan increased the lead to 2-0 on a beautiful goal from the slot. Team Red’s cycle game allowed Flanagan to get open into the slot as she carried the puck out of the corner to release a shot over the shoulder of Stack.
As the first half the wound down, Team Red increased their lead to 3-0 on a goal by Boyle. Boyle scored on a great pass by Olivia Finocchiaro, who scored in last week’s game. You wondered if this lead was going to last especially after Team Red blew a 3-1 lead to Team White last week.
Even from pressure from Team White in the second half and Megan Keller, Team Red remained in control. Though early on in the second half, White controlled the pace of play. Again Burt stood on her head especially when the play was wide open midway through the second half.
Team Red improves to a record 1-0-1 and Team Blue drops to a record of 1-1-0.
There are no games next week due to the 4th of July weekend, the next game will be on Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 pm from Hudson, N.H. and just like tonight’s game the remaining games will be streamed live.
