In Sunday’s north division heavyweight clash, the St. Albert Slash dropped a 3-1 decision to the Edmonton Thunder in the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League.
Head coach Terry Sydor said the Slash were in the game towards the very end, amid a few bounces for the opposing team.
“It was very exciting. There was lots of emotion out there and it was a very physical game. It was a lot of fun but unfortunately we didn’t get the end result,” said Sydor. “We had a few players that were off today but we were still right in the game and we could have certainly won the game.”
Special teams played a critical factor in the final result at Castledowns Arena.
“The penalty kill was super,” Sydor said. “On the power play we had lots of chances but we struggled, and they are an excellent team at killing penalties.”
The first period didn’t start off in the Slash’s favour. Heather Kashman was able to net the only goal in the frame as a result of the Thunder’s solid play.
In the penalty filled affair in the second there were no goals to show for either side on the scoreboard.
Midway through the third, Slash captain Melissa Kueber tied it up with her 23rd goal in 19 games. Karly Heffernan and Deanna Morin assisted on the play. Heffernan’s point was her league-leading 40th in 26 games.
However, the Thunder rebounded to net consecutive goals by Kirsten Reeves and Kashman to finish off the victory.
“We had some chances to score but we didn’t, and those things tend to be the difference in a game like this,” said Sydor.
The Thunder (22-0-5) have first place locked up in the north with 10 more points than the Slash (18-5-3).
After going 3-1 at the Mac’s tournament, the Slash are 2-2 in league play.
“We started out slow the first weekend back but we are slowing climbing our way back and we’re going to get to our peak soon enough,” said forward Sabrina Flemming.
With the playoffs only a few weeks away, Sydor said the Slash have to focus on eliminating outside distractions if they hope to achieve their pre-season goals.
“We’ve played a lot of hockey and final exams are coming up. It’s a stressful time but we’re trying to work though it and continue to build and prepare for the playoffs.”
The Slash are the host team for the Esso Cup national championship, April 17 to 23 at Servus Credit Union Place.
ICE CHIPS: Three goals by Jessica Kampjes and 21 saves by Emily Mitchell carried the Slash past the Lloydminster Steelers 5-0 Saturday at Mark Messier Arena.
Kueber and Heffernan also scored. Kueber added three assists.
The shutout was Mitchell’s fifth and the team’s eighth this season.
Kampjes raised her goal totals to 23 in 24 games. In league scoring, Kampjes is tied with Kueber and the Thunder’s Kashman with 37 points, three behind Heffernan.
The Slash and Steelers (6-20-2) play again this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Lloydminster.
Sunday the Slash host the Highwood Raiders (15-7-5), ranked second in the south. Game time is 4:30 p.m. at Mark Messier.
