(MONTREAL, QC) The UNB REDS season came to an end in a 4-1 loss to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the consolation round of the U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship, in Montreal, on Saturday.
"It definitely wasn't the outcome we wanted today, we battled till the end but collapsed on some plays where they capitalized," said veteran REDS' forward Ashley Stratton. "We had our moments, but couldn't pull that full 60 together."
Stratton was named player of the game for UNB after scoring the lone goal in her final game as a RED.
The Varsity Blues opened the scoring just minutes into the game, as a point shot from Sophie Grawbarger beat Kendra Woodland glove side to give Toronto the 1-0 at 2:29 of the first period.
The REDS responded with 2:40 left in the period, Stratton putting home a rebound from a Tamina Kehler shot to tie the game.
The teams would go into the first intermission tied 1-1.
Late in the second period, Toronto broke the deadlock as Aili McKeown took a feed from Abby Howland and snapped it past Woodland to take the 2-1 lead at 1:28 mark.
Emma Potter increased the Varsity Blues lead 40 seconds into the third period. She was able to sneak one past Woodland on a low angle shot to give Toronto a 3-1 lead.
The Varsity Blues added a late empty net goal for the 4-1 final.
Saturday's loss marks the end of careers for the nine key members, including eight of the original class of REDS in the new era of women's hockey at UNB.
Stratton, Kehler, Myah Bowal, Frederike Cyr, Paige Grenier, Jenna MacLean, Hayley Martens, Alayna Wagstaff all finish their careers with two AUS Championships and two national championship appearance, as does Talli Warren, also graduating this spring.
"The friendships that I have made at UNB are unbelievable," said Stratton. "I am so proud of each and every one of my teammates, and they will forever be a part of my life. The memories with all the girls are something I'll cherish forever."
RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS: Université de Montreal Athletics