REDS Skate To W Over Panthers

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) Jorja Nystrom (Leduc, AB) scored a highlight reel goal to drive the UNB REDS to a 5-3 victory over the UPEI Panthers in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action, Sunday afternoon in Charlottetown. 

The REDS survived a Panthers scoring barrage mid-way through the game before netting three unanswered goals to claim the victory.

Katelyn Scott (Almonte, ON) found the back of the net twice, while Rylee Strohm (Kingsville, ON), Nystrom, and Lauren Carter (Milton, ON) scored the final three goals of the game. 

Veteran forward Lily George (Nipissing First Nation) contributed three assists to maintain her standing as the AUS scoring leader.

The Panthers did well, keeping pace with a powerful UNB squad, but a fortunate bounce for the visitors led to the opening goal.

At 5:16 of the first period, the puck leaked in front to Scott, whose shot hit a skate and bounced over the goalie before sliding across the line.

Scott added to the REDS' lead at 4:18 of the second period when George completed a backhand pass to the first-year player, who wired a wrist shot past Sarah Forsythe (Riverview, NB).

The Panthers then stormed in front, erupting for three goals in less than three minutes.

UPEI capitalized on two REDS penalties called 50 seconds apart, resulting in a five-on-three powerplay.

Orianna MacNeil (Mabou, NS) and Chiara Esposito (Winnipeg, MB) each scored on the player advantage.

McKinley Nelson (Calgary, AB) followed, unleashing a wrist shot to the top corner of the net.

The REDS returned the favour in the period's final minutes, netting a pair of powerplay goals of their own. 

With three minutes remaining, Strohm put away the tying goal as Forsythe was caught out of position during a scramble in front of the net. 

Nystrom then scored the eventual game-winner, a highlight goal, releasing the shot between her legs with her back to the Panthers' net.

In the third period, the REDS added an insurance goal at 13:37. Carter tipped Robyn Brokenshire's (St. Albert, AB) shot from the point over Forsythe's left shoulder.

Forsythe finished the game with 14 saves, while UNB's Kendra Woodland (Kamloops, BC) turned aside 27 shots.

With the win, the REDS are now 19-5-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) and sit second in the AUS standings.

Having already clinched a playoff berth, another win will clinch a first-round playoff bye.

The Panthers are now 6-15-3-0, good for seventh place.

The Panthers travel to Sackville on Wednesday night to take on the Mount Allison Mounties. Game time is 7:00pm.

The REDS host the Saint Mary's Huskies Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm.

RECAP BY: Thomas Becker/UPEI Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Kirsten Larkin/for UPEI Athletics