The Stitch Graphix/B-W Feed & Seed Atom B Wolverines travelled to Ottawa this weekend to compete in the 2013 OWHA Provincial Championship. The Wolverines knew they would face some tough competition, and they demonstrated true grit throughout each match.
The Wolverines would first face the Sudbury Lady Wolves on Thursday afternoon. The Wolves were first to hit the scoreboard in the first period, but the Wolverines battled back and Hailey Scott evened up the score in the final minute of play in the first period. Goaltender Gillian Knarrmade some critical saves to hold off the Wolves during the second period, and the Wolverines had some great shooting opportunities, but could not capitalize on them. With just a few minutes remaining in the third period, the Wolves were able to break through and took a 2-1 lead. The Wolverines showed the Wolves they were not going to give up, and continued to put the pressure on, but time would run out.
On Friday morning, the Wolverines faced the North Durham Blades in their second round robin game. Emily Hussey would put the Wolverines on the scoreboard halfway through the first period with the help of Meghan Young and Madison McCormick. Hussey would attack the Blades again in the second period with the help of Kara Cook. The defensive line-up of McCormick, Cook, Kayla Schenk, Marley O’Connell, and Madison Oliver would continually deny the Blades any opportunities to score, leaving a final score of 2-0.
The Wolverines were able to be part of history on Friday night, when they attended the IIHF Women’s World Championship Game between Canada and Finland. Records were set with over 18,000 people in attendance for the game, making it the highest number at a female sporting event, surpassing even the gold medal game at the Vancouver Olympics. The Wolverines cheered on Team Canada in a 8-0 victory over Finland.
On Saturday morning, the Wolverines faced the WestNorthumberland Wild in their final round robin game. The Wolverines needed a win to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The Wild came out hard catching the Wolverines by surprise, and took a 3-0 lead early in the game. Knowing they were in a tough place, the Wolverines displayed unbelievable determination, and showed the Wild they would not go down without a fight. The Wolverines regrouped and the offensive line-up of Hussey, Young, Scott, Paige Carter, Julia Kehl, Jenna Kumpf, Taryn McIntyre, and Lauren Bast were able to answer with three quick goals. With the score tied up at 3-3, the Wolverines knew that a tie would not be enough to advance. In the final minutes of the game the Wolverines buried the puck deep in the Wild’s net to earn a well deserved 4-3 victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
The Wolverines faced the Ottawa Ice in the quarter-finals on Saturday afternoon. The Wolverines had to dig deep and play hard in a fast paced game against the Ice who had gone undefeated in round robin play. The Ice were able to score two goals in the first period, but the Wolverines would break through and Kumpf would score with the help of Young to leave the first period 2-1. The Wolverines continued to battle hard throughout the second and third period, but the game would finish 2-1. The Ottawa Ice went on to win a hard fought gold medal, defeating Woolwich 1-0 in the semi-finals and Stratford 1-0 in the final game. The WilmotWolverines should be very proud of their determination and how well they represented our centre. Way to go Wolverines!!!