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Huskies beat X-Women in shootout nailbiter

Shootout goals from Charlotte Buffie and Kara MacLean capped off an exciting afternoon of hockey as SMU defeated the X-Women 3-2 in a nailbiter

Photo credit Bryan Kennedy
Photo credit Bryan Kennedy
Results Box Score
February 2, 2025

ANTIGONISH, NS - Shootout goals from Charlotte Buffie and Kara MacLean capped off an exciting afternoon of hockey as the Saint Mary's Huskies defeated the STFX X-Women 3-2 in a nailbiter at the Charles V Keating Centre on Sunday afternoon. 

It was an important win for the Huskies, who moved ahead of the UPEI Panthers as they both fight for the final spot in the upcoming AUS playoffs. With the shootout loss, the AUS leading X-Women are now two points ahead of second place UNB REDS with four games left in the season. 

The teams set the tone for a fast-paced back and forth afternoon by trading scoring chances in the first 30 seconds of the game, with Ireland McCloskey preventing a goal with a timely clearance. STFX's persistent attack forced a number of big saves from SMU netminder Ridleigh Hansen in the first half of the period. 

Ashlyn Garnet got the Blue and White on the board 11 minutes in, picking up a Lainey Joyce pass in the neutral zone, streaking down the left wing and potting one far side. The Huskies failed to capitalize on a late powerplay, and the period ended 1-0 in favor of the X-Women.   

Hansen continued to make things difficult for the STFX shooters in the second period, while increased pressure from the Huskies saw STFX goalie Bianca Zak turn aside a number of solid chances. A five-on-three powerplay for the Huskies looked dangerous, but the period ended without another goal. 

The Saint Mary's powerplay went to work to start the third period and pulled the teams even, with Keyara Nelson snapping home a top-shelf shot from in close. The Huskies pressed for another and Ava Shearer pulled them ahead 90 seconds later, rifling one high from the slot after skating in from the neutral zone. 

STFX pulled the goalie while on the powerplay with 30 seconds to go in the game, and it was Kamdyn Switzer who lit the lamp with 1.6 seconds on the clock to tie the game 2-2 and force overtime.  

Hansen and Zak had their hands full in overtime, which remained scoreless, setting the table for the shootout.  

Neither of the first two STFX shooters could solve Hansen, while at the other end Buffie and MacLean sealed the victory for the visiting Huskies, making good on their attempts.

MacLean received first star honors for her shootout winner, while Switzer received the second star with her thrilling game-tying goal. Shearer was named the third star. 

The X-Women begin next weekend on the road, as they head to Charlottetown to face the UPEI Panthers on Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m.

The Huskies return to home ice next weekend for a matchup with the St. Thomas Tommies on Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m. 

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Recap courtesy Matt Draper, STFX Athletics