Woodland Reaches Milestone in REDS Win

(SACKVILLE, NB) Sydney Oitomen (Mississauga, ON) sealed the deal with a game-winning goal midway through the third period as the UNB REDS defeated the Mount Allison Mounties 3-1 on Sunday night in Sackville.

The game saw REDS goaltender Kendra Woodland (Kamloops, BC) notch her 50th win in Atlantic University Sport regular-season play.

"It definitely means a lot to have 50 regular season wins," said Woodland. "I just think it is a huge testament to how far this program has come since day one and I'm always so proud to be a part of milestones on this team."

Woodland, making 15 saves in the victory, solidified her status as the winningest goalie in program history.

"Kendra has played a crucial role in the growth of UNB's women's hockey program," said UNB interim head coach Kyle MacDonald. "Her leadership, both on and off the ice, is evident. Achieving her 50th regular-season win is a remarkable team accomplishment."

The game began with UNB dominating offensively, but Mounties goaltender Hanna Pagdato (Winnipeg, MB) thwarted several early scoring attempts, including a breakaway robbery of UNB's Jorja Nystrom (Leduc, AB) at 6:04 of the first period.

The Mounties' best opportunity in the opening period came from Tallon Stephenson (Lloydminster, AB), who found an open chance in front of the net. However, Woodland sprawled out to make a stellar save, protecting the goal line with just the shaft of her stick, keeping the teams level with a scoreless first period.

The REDS broke the tie at 6:09 of the second period on the powerplay, with Lauren Carter (Milton, ON) capitalizing on a rebound from Lindsey Smith's (Onslow, NS) point shot, giving UNB a 1-0 lead.

Although the REDS had chances to extend their lead, including a shorthanded breakaway by Lillian George (Nipissing First Nation) at 8:20 of the second period, Pagdato's saves kept the Mounties within striking distance going into the third period.

Pagdato made 31 saves in the loss for the Mounties.

The Mounties equalized the score at 6:21 of the third period on the powerplay, as Chelsea Krahenbil (Winnipeg, MB) found the net from the high slot, knotting the game at 1-1.

Moments later, the REDS regained the lead as Oitomen capitalized on a loose puck in front of the net, making it 2-1.

Melanie Drost (Nepean, ON) sealed the victory with a late empty-net goal.

The REDS win improves their record to 15-3-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL). UNB will return to the ice on Wednesday, facing the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues at 7:00 pm in Moncton.

The Mounties, now holding a 1-14-2-1 record, will face off against the Dalhousie Tigers on Friday at 7:00 pm.

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics with files from Mount Allison Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Galen Juliusson/for Mount Allison Athletics