George Reaches Milestone In REDS Win
(HALIFAX, NS) The UNB REDS scored three unanswered goals to defeat the Saint Mary's Huskies 4-2 in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey, in Halifax, on Friday.
The game saw REDS forward Lillian George (Nipissing First Nation) become the program's all-time scoring leader, registering an assist on the game's second goal, the 81st of her regular season Atlantic University Sport career.
"I think it's huge for our program," George said, reflecting on the milestone. "I think I've always had the mindset to become better in any way I can since I hold myself to a high standard, and I think every year, I've grown and learned ways to elevate as a player."
George moved past former teammate Ashley Stratton, the previous record holder. Stratton tallied 80 points during her career, which began when the program was reinstated in the 2018. George and Stratton were teammates from the reinstatement until Stratton's graduation in 2023.
"Ashley set the tone with her hard work and led the way in this new era," said George. "For this to be a growing title for players at UNB women's hockey, I'm grateful to be a part of it."
"Lily is a consummate professional on and off the ice." noted REDS' head coach Kyle MacDonald. "Her commitment and dedication has not only led to her success but the success of her teammates. Her attention to detail in the gym, classroom, practices and games has set an amazing example for a new generation of players at the university."
Huskies' forward Ashley Penney (Lawrencetown, NS) wasted no time, striking just 18 seconds after the puck dropped to open the scoring. A scramble broke out in front of the REDS net, where Penney choppws at the puck, flipping it over Kendra Woodland's (Kamloops, BC) shoulder.
The first period closed with the Huskies on top, leading 1-0.
George's milestone came on the first of three REDS goals in the second period.
On the powerplay, George set up Payton Hargreaves (Whitby, ON) for a one-timer from the right face-off dot. She beat Huskies' Ridleigh Hansen (Red Deer, AB) to tie the game 1-1.
"I got the puck from the point and knew Payton was set for a shot," noted George. "I passed it over, and she made no mistake."
The Huskies' Aimee O'Neill (Glace Bay, NS) responded just eight seconds later, beating Woodland glove side.
The REDS drew even again on a goal by Lauren Toner (St. Catherines, ON), her first as a RED, about four minutes later.
Hargreaves added her second of the game a short time later and UNB led 3-2 after 40 minutes.
In the to the scoreboard to take the lead shortly after the half-way mark in the second period.
April Reiner (Kitchener, ON) closed the scoring, sliding a shot between Hansen's feet, her first AUS goal.
The U SPORTS No. 6 ranked REDS stay on top of the AUS standings with a 10-2-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) record.
UNB continues their weekend road trip, visiting the STFX X-Women on Saturday. Game time is 7:00pm.
The Huskies will travel to Charlottetown to take on the UPEI Panthers on Saturday.
RECAP BY: Madison Tucker/for UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Eduardo Ibarra/SMU Athletics