TORONTO, Ont. – A two-goal third period comeback attempt in Toronto on Saturday night came up a little short as the Golden Hawks dropped a 5-2 decision to the #2-ranked Varsity Blues.

Toronto opened the scoring just 1:40 into the game on a lucky bounce off a shot by Katy McKenna that trickled behind Laurier goaltender Acadia Carlson. The Blues dominated the neutral zone, making quick and crisp passes to get eight shots on goal. But they would commit a penalty with 50 seconds to go though, and the Golden Hawks headed into the second period on a powerplay.

Despite the power play opportunity, the Blues played great short-handed - as well as Madeline Albert who stood strong in goal for her team. The Blues maintained much of the puck possession for the second period, resulting in a two-on-one for Celine Frappier and Taylor Trussler. With quick puck passes, Frappier managed to get a rebound past Carlson to double the Blues' lead.

Their momentum did not stop there. With a power play in the second half of the period, the Blues used the extra time and space in the Golden Hawks zone to their advantage, as Madelyn Walsh set up her defender Caroline Eagles for a shot from the point. With four people in front of her net, Carlson had limited vision, leading this puck to sneak by her left shoulder.

The third period brought speed, goals, and penalties. The Golden Hawks started the period on a power play. With the advantage, Rylee Crego stepped into the slot and sniped a shot into the top corner to put the purple and gold on the board. 

Just four minutes later, the Golden Hawks executed a great cycle ton the power play to generate another offensive chance. Chloe Davidson quickly received a pass from defender Arielle MacDonald, giving her an opening against Albert, where she snuck the puck behind her right shoulder. Suddenly, the Blues' lead was reduced to one.

The Golden Hawks' momentum was shut down almost immediately as Natasha Athanasakos recorded her second point of the night on a quick goal against Carlson, restoring her team's two-goal lead with nine minutes of play left. 

Despite continued pressure by Laurier, Sophie Grawbarger found the back of the empty net with just under four minutes to go allowing the Blues to seal the deal.

Three stars

Caroline Eagles – Toronto Varsity Blues: game-winning goal

Natasha Athanasakos – Toronto Varsity Blues: insurance goal and two-point night (1G, 1A)

Chloe Davidson – Laurier Golden Hawks: goal in past three games

Up next 

The Golden Hawks are home to take on the #7-ranked Nipissing Lakers Friday at 7:00 pm at Sun Life Financial Arena. Tickets are on sale now!