The Canton Blades 12U Tier II TB team coached by Mandie Mousaw, Joe Mousaw and Brian Henning are still in the hunt to qualify for the New York State Tournament March 6-8 in Buffalo, NY.
The Blades came out on top this past weekend in qualifying play posting a 2-0-1 record against North section competition Chazy Iron Maidens and the Adirondack Northstars.
The Blades kicked off play Friday night in Chazy against a tough Iron Maidens team coached by Rolla Parker. The Iron Maidens jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period. The Blades battled back and answered with a break away goal by Sophie Bruno (unassisted) at 7:13 and with just 2 seconds left in the first period. Taylor Stoll punched another one between the pipes assisted by Ella Mousaw.
The second period went scoreless with a fierce battle back and forth. The Iron Maidens reacted quickly in the third period with a goal at 13:24 by Marina Kane assisted by Mackenzie Grabie and Olivia LaFlesh. The Blades, as they’ve done many times this season, fought back and answered at 5:36 with a goal from Abby Nee assisted by Taylor Stoll. Sophie Shoen was consistent in net for the Blades posting 35 saves for the tie.
Saturday afternoon brought a rematch between the Blades and Chazy at home in Canton. The Blades hit the ice with fire ready to play and opened the scoring at 7:07 in the first period with an unassisted goal from Ella Matejcik. The second period brought more pressure by the Blades with goals by Abby Nee (unassisted) at 8:43 and Aubrey Amo assisted by Brynn Deshaies at 4:24.
The Iron Maidens answered back with 1:25 left in the second period on a goal from Katelyn McCormick assisted by Anna Monette and Kylee Surprenant. At the start of the third period The Iron Maidens were able to capitalize on a 2-man advantage with a goal by Makenzie Grabie (unassisted) at 14:32. The game would end 3-2 with a Blades win despite Coach Parker pulling his goaltender Bailey Barnett late in the third. Sophie Shoen was stellar in net for the Blades earning the win.
The Blades finished out the weekend Sunday at home with a game against the Adirondack Northstars coached by Steve Archer. The first and second periods were a battle with tough pressure and domination by the Blades. Despite having 26 shots on net through the first two periods, the Blades could not punch one by Adirondack goaltender Ella Bray. The Blades continued domination in the third period with strong defense from Eliza Creurer, Lauren Henning, Mia Jeneault and Ella Mousaw. With the score still deadlocked at 0-0 late in the third period Coach Mousaw called her time out. I told them “It’s do or die girls. We need a win. Go play Blades hockey!” With 39 seconds left in the game Anna Hoose buried one between the pipes assisted by Taylor Stoll. Avery Marcil was solid in net for the Blades posting 17 saves for the win.
The Blades are back in action this coming weekend as they head to the Albany area to face off against the Adirondack NorthStars and CP Dynamo for two more state qualification games.
Editor’s Note: This blog comes courtesy of Mandie Mousaw.
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