Griffins can't buy a goal in final home game - an emotional farewell for five graduating seniors
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
|
0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
Team Stats
Alberta
| Game Statistics | Alberta | MacEwan University |
|---|---|---|
| PowerPlays | 2 for 5 | 0 for 4 |
| Shorthanded Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties (min) | 4 (8) | 5 (10) |
| Shots on Goal | 22 | 24 |
| Face Offs Won | 0 | 0 |
Jason Hills
For MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON — Sometimes "puck luck" just isn't on your side.
The MacEwan Griffins threw pucks on net and had several quality looks, but they couldn't buy a goal.
Misty Rey made 24 saves for her first shutout of the season as MacEwan fell 4-0 to the Alberta Pandas on Friday night at the Downtown Community Arena.
The Pandas scored three times in the second period on goals from Hayleigh Craig, Hailey Carothers and Jadynn Morden, while Ryann Perrett added an empty-netter late in the third to round out the scoring.
Lindsey Johnson made 18 saves in the loss, as the Griffins fell to 5-20-2 this season.
"That was probably one of our best games in terms of Grade A scoring chances. We had a lot of net front presence, too, and rebound chances, it was just unfortunate none went in," said Griffins forward Clarie Hobbs, who was one of five graduating seniors playing in their final home game at MacEwan.
It was a scoreless game after the first period, and MacEwan had the better looks and opportunities, but they got into some penalty trouble early in the second period and the Pandas found a way to cash in.
Craig's goal came on a five-on-three advantage after Robyn Short took a delay-of-game penalty with Ana Djordjevic already in the box.
Alberta passed it around nicely and Craig's shot from the slot through traffic beat Johnson to give the Pandas a 1-0 lead at the 3:56 mark of the second.
Then just four seconds after Short came out of the box, Alberta made it 2-0 on a nice shot from Carothers through traffic.
"It's deflating," said Hobbs.
"I personally feel we were playing some of our best hockey and for them to capitalize on basically two back-to-back, it's hard to regroup and come back from, but I thought we did a great job of bouncing back and got right back on the attack."
Then with under five minutes left in the period, Alberta capitalized on another power play as Morden got open in the slot and snapped a shot through traffic and over the shoulder of Johnson to make it 3-0.
"They were good shots, we just have to clean some details up," said Hobbs.
"We were a little slow in transitions and closing the lane. We know they're good shooters, but we have to do better getting in lanes."
Despite being down 3-0 after 40 minutes, the Griffins didn't fold. They continued to push to try and get on the board, but they came up empty, despite outshooting Alberta 24-22.
"The puck just seemed to be bouncing every play, and you try to adjust and it would still be behind you. We had to battle through some adversity, but we have to try and get through it tomorrow," said Griffins forward Rian Santos.
"Special teams moments are such momentum shifts in hockey games, and unfortunately, we couldn't tilt to our side or at least to an even playing level."
Captain Sydney Olsen and family pose with head coach Chris Leeming during a pre-game ceremony (James Maclennan photo).
Friday's game marked the final home game for Hobbs, Santos, Sydney Jack, captain Sydney Olsen and alternate captain Robyn Short.
It was an emotional night for the graduating seniors, who have all left their own mark on the program during their tenure.
Robyn Short and family (James Maclennan photo).
When the final buzzer sounded, after their teammates left the ice, all five seniors joined together and had a group hug.
"We didn't want to get off the ice. It was nice to be able to share that moment together. We had a big hug, and just tried to take it all in," said Hobbs.
"Not a lot was said in that hug… just I love you guys, and there were a lot of tears."
Claire Hobbs and family (James Maclennan photo).
Prior to puck drop, each graduating senior was honoured in front of family at centre ice in a special pre-game ceremony.
"The game meant so much for me with it being my last home game, and me being here the last five years," said Santos.
"It already feels no surreal, but I just wanted to take the moment in, and I'm glad I got to play this last game with my four friends that I've been a Griffin with for so long.
"It was a great night for all of us to celebrate as Griffins. These are all friendships that are genuine and authentic we can all have for the rest of our lives, and I'll hold close to my heart."
Rian Santos and family (James Maclennan photo).
MacEwan will wrap up their 2025-26 season on Saturday when they visit the Pandas (5 p.m., Clare Drake Arena, Canada West TV).
Sydney Jack and family (James Maclennan photo).
