Griffins generate more than they ever have against rival Pandas but can't solve Glover in 4-0 loss
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
|
2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
Team Stats
Alberta
| Game Statistics | Alberta | MacEwan University |
|---|---|---|
| PowerPlays | 1 for 4 | 0 for 4 |
| Shorthanded Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Penalties (min) | 4 (8) | 4 (8) |
| Shots on Goal | 32 | 28 |
| Face Offs Won | 0 | 0 |
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Despite putting up the most shots they've ever had in a Canada West game against their cross-town rivals, the MacEwan Griffins suffered a 4-0 loss to the Alberta Pandas on Friday.
They ran into Grace Glover, who earned her 11th career Canada West shutout with 28 saves, more than enough of the point-blank variety.
"I think that was kind of the narrative the whole game," said MacEwan forward Rian Santos, who finished with six shots, co-leading the Griffins in that category with Ella Maternick. "We were getting chances but just couldn't put one by her. Definitely going to be a key focus for tomorrow to get pucks on net."
With the result, Alberta improved to 1-0-2, while MacEwan fell to 0-3-0.
Alberta set the tone in the contest early, capitalizing on a lucky break as Griffins goaltender Taya Currie inadvertently gave it away to Kallie Clouston for a short-handed tap-in 4:03 into the contest.
Then, the Griffins weren't their usual strong defensive selves on a rebound goal by Emma Power 10:28 into the first that put Alberta up 2-0.
"The moments that we wouldn't be happy with were a little bit of a lack of focus at times," said Griffins head coach Chris Leeming. "We did some good stuff last weekend and we were wanting to carry that over into this weekend and I think we need to be a bit more consistent with those things overall."
The Griffins settled in after that, pretty much matching the Pandas shot for shot in a scoreless second period.
Santos had a couple great chances in the third, almost beating Glover with 13 minutes left on a hot shot from the slot, but she was able to squeeze it. Then, she drove wide and threw a dangerous backhander up high that Glover got with her shoulder.
"She's one of our older players that has really stepped up and been really consistent in games and practices day to day and it's been really great to see," said Leeming. "We are trying to demand more of our older players, and she stepped up to the plate, for sure.
"It's great to see her maximizing her potential and getting some opportunities because of it."
With MacEwan unable to score, the Pandas went up 3-0 with 9:26 left as Jadynn Morden jammed it in out of a net front powerplay scramble.
Clouston put the capper on the evening when Morden fed her for a breakaway off an odd-man rush and she sniped it over Currie's glove.
"It was sucky the score got up that high," said Santos. "I don't think that's indicative of how we played. Definitely messed up the D zone a couple times and they capitalized, which is what good teams do. So, we've got to tighten it up for tomorrow."
Currie finished with 28 saves for MacEwan in the loss.
The Edmonton rivals will meet again on Saturday (5 p.m., Clare Drake Arena, Canada West TV).
"Definitely some positives to take from the game," said Leeming. "Early on our penalty kill was great. We were generating some looks on the powerplay, including some high-quality Grade A scoring chances and that's something we've been focusing on the last little bit here.
"A couple people had some really strong games overall. It's just a matter of doing that collectively as a group. When we're connected that makes us more competitive."
