Mounties Push UNB to Overtime

The UNB Reds and the Mount Allison Mounties kicked off the second half of the AUS women's hockey season with a classic battle, playing into the 2^nd overtime before the Reds finally grabbed a 3-2 win.

Neither team could find the back of the net in the first period as Mounties sophomore Bianca Zak pushed aside 8 shots from the Reds. For her part, Reds goalie Hailey Martens stopped all 6 shots she faced in the first.

The second period followed the same trend as once again the teams were kept off the scoresheet. UNB, on the strength of three power plays, took a decided advantage in shots during the 2^nd, outshooting the Mounties 9-1 in the period. Zak was the Mounties best penalty killer with a few key saves to keep the game scoreless. At the other end, Martens denied Mounties freshman Rachael Carson on a partial breakaway for the Mounties best chance of the period.

The Mounties took the first lead of the game when Olivia Henley scored off a scramble play from an offensive zone faceoff less than 3 minutes into the 3^rd period. Henley's first goal of the season was assisted by Nicole Wong.

The Reds responded just 22 seconds later when Lillian George scored on a play assisted by Ashley Stratton.  Six minutes later the Reds took a 2-1 lead when Tamina Kehler scored.

But the Mounties had some last minute drama for the home crowd as junior Abby Beale scored on power play with just over a minute remaining to tie the game at two. Beale, who was named Subway Player of the Game, was playing in her first game of the season after returning from foot surgery.

Neither team was able to score in the first overtime but UNB's Hannah Green ended the game when she scored 2 minutes and 11 seconds into the game's second overtime period.

The Mounties return to action on Saturday when they host Dalhousie.  UNB returns home for an afternoon contest with StFX.