The Estevan Power Tech midget AA Panthers fought back from a mid-game one-goal deficit to beat the Parkland Lions 5-2 at Affinity Place on Sunday.
The win vaulted the Panthers (15-4-9) into first place in the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League (SSFHL) standings on the final day of the regular season. A tie by the Regina Capitals (15-5-8) later that evening ensured that Estevan would finish in the top spot.
“We really wanted it,” said Panthers left wing Marci LeBlanc. “We pulled through and stepped it up a bit because we knew this would tell us where we ended up in the league. Everyone put their minds to it and went for it.”
Panthers rookie forward Kenzie Balon put the home side up early with a shot from the bottom of the circle that sneaked past Lions goaltender Cheyenne Jamieson at the 2:31 mark of the first period. Hard work along the boards and continually battling for loose pucks by LeBlanc led to two straight power play opportunities for the Panthers in the first half of the second period, but the girls weren't able to develop a strong set up or generate quality chances.
Lions forward Taylor Halarewich tied the game 11:24 into the middle frame on a shot from the hashmarks that beat Panthers netminder Morgan Fayle blocker side. Mackenzie Lasch made it 2-1 Lions 32 seconds later by tapping in a cross-crease pass from Rachel Pankratz.
“Coaches always say they want 60 minutes, but let's be honest it's very hard to play a full 60,” said Panthers coach Trevor Morrison. “So, you just got to play as smart as you can and yeah we had a little bit of a dip in the game, but the good thing is we didn't quit.”
The Panthers stepped up the pressure on the Lions following the goal resulting in a Karli Colpitts tying marker with 4:09 to play in the second period. Panthers centre Michaella Matthies scored the game winner just under two minutes into the third period by potting a rebound into the low corner of Jamieson's net. Morgan Haygarth and Ireland Biette provided the insurance goals.
The first place finish sets the Panthers up for a one-versus-eight first round series against the Notre Dame Hounds (3-21-4). Game dates have yet to be scheduled.
“We're hoping that we're good,” said LeBlanc. “Obviously we want to bring (a championship) home.”
The Panthers are also set to begin their Saskatchewan Hockey Association two-game total-point playoff series. Estevan starts provincials this Thursday in Wilcox against Notre Dame with the teams set to meet again at Affinity Place on Feb. 22.
“It should a sellout, our provincial game,” noted Morrison. “Because Jason LeBlanc will be singing O'Canada.”
