Mustangs Blank Ravens by 3-0 Tally in CIS Exhibition Play

As the quality of play in Canadian Interuniversity Sport women’s ice hockey continues to improve, one of the best aspects is the increase in inter-conference games, which are quickly becoming an annual tradition in autumn. The Carleton Ice House, home to the Quebec Student Sports Federation Carleton Ravens, played host to the Western Mustangs, one of the youngest teams in Ontario University Athletics.

With the graduation of its finest player, Ellie Seedhouse, the Mustangs' new leadership features Carly Rolph as captain, while Casey Rosen and Tara Cation are the alternate captains. Rolph is a captain who leads by example. She is a gritty player who is not afraid to play in the corners. Her style of play is similar to former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Doug Gilmour. “It’s pretty exciting. We have a lot of new recruits. The CIS Nationals is definitely one of our goals,” states Rolph.

From the outset, the Mustangs tested Carleton Ravens backup goaltender Eri Kiribuchi. Sophomores Kate Gosling, Stacey Scott and Kendra Deller pressured her early on. Despite Kiribuchi’s best efforts to prevent Western from scoring, freshman Cassidy Gosling pounced on a rebound to give Western the lead. Her sister Kaitlyn was credited with the assist.

The first period was defined by the Mustangs' constant pressure in the Carleton Ravens offensive zone. Frustrations ensued as Ravens players Julianne Bruce and Wendy Abramenko engaged in a shoving match with Rolph and Brittany Clapham. Although Clapham ended up with a penalty, her size and stickhandling abilities are similar to Jesse Scanzano, a 6’ forward who played with the Canadian National Team at the 2011 Four Nations Cup, and was selected by the Toronto Furies in the 2011 CWHL Draft.

While the Ravens made adjustments in the second period, they were unable to score on Mustangs backstop Kelly Campbell. Ravens forward Sadie Wegner had the best scoring chance on Campbell with a very strong wrist shot. Jessica O’Grady, a fourth year psychology major, fired a slapshot that Campbell could not handle, but she grabbed the rebound in time.

Despite Carleton’s best efforts, it was Western that found the mesh once again. Stacey Scott pounced on a rebound to extend Western’s lead. While Kiribuchi remained between the pipes, freshman netminder Katie Jacobs entered the game for Western with less than three minutes left in the second stanza.

Heading into the third period, the contest became more physical. Montreal native Karelle Fucile cross-checked Stacey Scott.  Western retaliated, with Tara Cation checking Sydnie MacDonald. The frustration continued for the Ravens, with a bizarre goal that gave Western a 3-0 lead.

In a much-occupied crease, the puck appeared to be stuck in the side of the net. Kiribuchi tried to grab the puck, but Western whacked the puck into the net. After the referee ruled it a goal, the Ravens seemed to have lost any momentum. A few seconds later, Cassidy Gosling nearly scored. The goal went high and on the stick side of Kiribuchi.

Unable to find an answer to Western’s stifling play, things became more physical. In a collision of two players both wearing the number 8, Carleton’s Victoria Gouge and Western’s Madison Turk knocked each other down. Casey Rosen got the blade of her stick stuck in the mask of Ravens veteran Stephanie Plourde. Although she was not called for high sticking, Stacey Scott was called for slashing. It followed with Tara Cation colliding with Ainslee Kent, a capable two way player for the Ravens. Alex Yallouz, an emotional leader for the Ravens, came to her defense.

Late in the third, the Ravens played for pride by trying to get one goal. The Ravens sat out their goaltender for the extra attacker. Despite efforts by Sadie Wegner and Kelsey Vander Veen, the Ravens continued to be denied. The last chance for the Ravens was also the most valiant. Kelsey Evershed, who once played NCAA Division III hockey with Elmira College, soared down the left (against the boards) and passed the puck through traffic to Sydnie MacDonald in front of the net.

Kiribuchi faced 29 shots, while the Mustangs goaltending tandem faced 20 shots to log the shutout. “It was our first three-goal game of the season. It was also our first shutout, our best game so far,” stated Cassidy Goslin. “We were able to finish all the chances we had. Many opportunities went our way.”

All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated