Drever shuts out Bisons

Huskie goaltender, Camryn Drever, admitted that she was a bit surprised that she was given the starting role in net on Saturday night. After making 21 saves in Friday’s season opener against the Bisons, coach Steve Kook turned to her again in the final game of their Canada West hockey series. The 5^th year goaltender from Edmonton didn’t disappoint, making 24 saves in a 4-0 shutout. “Honestly, I was surprised to get the start”, said Drever. “I was expecting Colby (Wilson) to step in there.”

The Huskies outshot Manitoba 14-9 in a scoreless first period, but the Bisons used size and puck possession to create looks and get shots on net. “Our defense did a great job handling bodies in and around the net.” said Drever. “I’ve got to give credit to our penalty kill tonight. They were phenomenal.” The Bisons were 0 for 5 on the power play.

The Huskies found their offensive touch in the middle frame scoring three times in less than six minutes. On a nice assist from Jessica Patterson, Jayde Cadieux scored her first goal of the season to make it 1-0 at the 11:51 mark. Then 4^th year forward Kate Ball and third year forward Taylor Wilkinson went to work. With Ball driving to the net, Wilkinson put a pass on her stick in front of the Bison goaltender Meagan Relf to make it 2-0 at the 16:06 mark. Less than a minute later Ball set up Wilkinson to put the Huskies up by three with just less than 3 minutes to go in the second period. Ball capped off a three-point night with a third period helper on a Sophie Lalor goal.

I think we had some good chemistry”, said Ball. “I think there was a lot of urgency between us. Both Lalor and Ball have begun the 2023-24 Canada West hockey season with five points each in the first two games. “We needed to step up for the team”, she added.