The University of Arizona women’s hockey team returned to the ice this weekend, securing a huge 6-0 victory over the University of Denver on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the Tucson Convention Center. This was the two programs’ first and only time meeting each other this season.
First period
The Wildcats scored early into the first period with a goal from Brynn O’Neill, a freshman forward.
“I think it kind of picked up the pace of the team,” O’Neill said, referencing her goal. “And this game, I just focused on having fun and I feel like when we have fun as a team, we do the best.”
Three minutes later, Kenzie Carson, another freshman forward, found the back of the net to further extend the Wildcats’ lead to 2-0 with nine minutes remaining in the first period. Arizona controlled the ice throughout the period, maintaining possession for nearly the entire 20 minutes.
Penalties were minimal with each team only receiving one. The Wildcats had many scoring opportunities, with 10 shots on goal in comparison to Denver’s 6.
Second period
14 seconds into the second period, O’Neill scored her second goal of the game, setting the tone for the Wildcats. Carson followed, scoring a goal for Arizona with 11 minutes remaining in the period. The Wildcats found the net for the third time with a goal shot by Britney Bridel, a junior forward. The Wildcats led 5-0 with eight minutes remaining in the period. Arizona had 25 shots on goal and held Denver to 6.
“I think our confidence is just growing in the defensive zone and for our goalies,” O’Neill said.
The Wildcats had numerous power play opportunities that they took advantage of throughout the period as well.
Third period
Arizona pressured Denver for the first half of the third period before later putting one in the net.
Freshman forward Hannah Strand scored the last goal of the game, giving the Wildcats a 6-0 lead. Arizona’s penalties gave Denver several power play opportunities. However, the Wildcat defense held strong, achieving the team’s first shut out of the season.
“I think having a brand new team, it’s tough,” head coach Caitlin Hogan said. “We had an off week last weekend so we were able to spend a little bit more time working on the systems, working on the small games, working between chemistry with players as well. I think that helped to get a little bit more time together on the ice, and we were able to continue to build off that today.”
Looking ahead
Arizona will travel to take on ASU on Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Mountain America Community Iceplex. The Wildcats’ next home game is Nov. 23, where they will take on McKendree University in the Tucson Convention Center.
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