Thunder Bay Queens Hockey Organization

THUNDER BAY QUEENS HOCKEY

Media Release: Friday, February 22, 2019

Peewees go 2-0, Bantam As go 0-2 on Day 1 of Norwest

THUNDER BAY, ON — The Bantam A Queens kicked off the Norwest tournament against the host Norwest Stars Peewee AA. Kallie Hryciw setup Paige Fucile for a goal just 1:37 into the game. Norwest responded with one of their own, to which the Queens again would take the lead on a goal from Grace Fitzpatrick (assists to Shailyn Reguly and Jenna Jackson) but Norwest answered again, tying the game at two goals a piece after two. The game looked to tie in regulation but Norwest managed a late goal with 36 seconds left to win the game 3-2.

That afternoon, the Bantam As met the Dryden Paper Kings. Each team exchanged goals in the second period leading to a 1-1 tie going into the third. Like the last game, the Queens surrendered a late goal with 1:30 left which Dryden hung onto winning 2-1, handing the Bantam As their 2nd loss.

The Peewee Queens got off to a great start, also playing in the Peewee AA division, in the first game, as they came out flying against the Elks 82s and took an early lead with Avery Olenikscoring 5 minutes into the game off of a nice feed from behind the net by Bridget Cameron. The Queens forecheck would continue to cause havoc for their opponent, with Bridget Cameronscoring late in the first period with assists going to Makenzee Kostiukand Alexis Prepp. The Queens would control most of the next two periods of the game with stellar team defense and a swarming backcheck. The Elks scored a late goal to make it interesting but Abby Willswould shut the door the rest of the way making a total of 18 saves to preserve the 2-1 win.

The afternoon game saw the Peewee Queens take on the regular season champion West End Bruins. The Peewees would get off to a sluggish start giving up numerous quality scoring chances early, but Alexandra Youngwas solid in net to keep the team in the game early. Kingston Goldingwould open the scoring early in the first period, and Avery Olenikwould add to that lead making it 2-0 late in the opening period. Bridget Cameron would add two second period goals to put the Queens ahead 4-0 and Annie Mallonand Brynn Hannulawould add insurance markers late in the 2nd period to give the Queens a 6-0 lead after two. The girls would give up a one goal in the third to make the final 6-1. Alexandra Youngmade 22 saves for the win.

When asked about the success of the games today, the Peewee Queens coaches said, "We put a game plan in place to minimize the scoring threats we were up against today, and the girls did a tremendous job buying into our plan." 

So opposite to their Bantam A sisters, the Peewees win both their first two games. The Peewees are back in action on Saturday against the Emo Express at 12:30pm and then again against the Dryden Paper Kings at 5:00pm. The Bantam As meet up with the Elks 82s at 9:30am and then finish the round robin against Fort Frances at 2:00pm.

Thunder Bay Queens are a member of Thunder Bay Women’s Hockey Association