(25Feb99)  Midday Thursday at the University of Toronto's Varsity Arena, the
Laurier Golden Hawks defeated the Martlets of McGill 2-0.  It was a relatively
slow contest.  Both teams applied some good pressure, but tight defenses were
the order of the day.
 
Thanks to the fan-unfriendly attitude of the CIAU, I arrived slightly late for
the opening game of the Canadian Nationals.  Fortunately, both teams were
thoughtful enough to not score in the first.  There was up and down action,
but little pace.
 
In the second period, the teams took turns pressing.  Laurier scored first
when Caroline Hall (Kimberly Shillington) drilled her chance, from a face-off,
low and into the net.  After that score, the action picked up.  McGill went
close several times.  However, it was the Hawks that notched the killer goal
when Heather Hossie (Lisa Backman) grabbed a loose puck and banged it home.
The play was made by the wonderful solo rush of Backman.  Her dazzling moves
left McGill at sixes and sevens.
 
There was no more scoring in the final interval.  Cautious hockey was all the
rage.
 
McGill, the Quebec second place finishers, looked a tad timid.  At times they
seemed to be holding back, often when it looked like they might break through.
The line of Dana Rittmaster, Julie Hornsby and Kathleen O'Reilly looked sharp.
O'Reilly did a great job of getting open.  Hornsby led the Martlets with her
energy and vision.  Overall, a good effort, but perhaps more striking would
help.
 
Laurier, the Ontario playoff champions, took their chances well.  They have a
tough blue line unit, featuring Marie Hahn, who made some lovely intercepts at
critical moments.  Shillington made a number of great cross-ice passes from
her point position.  Up front, the line of Hall, Heather Allan and Ashley
Colter moved the puck well as a unit.  Hall has a big shot, and with some
direction could be very interesting.  Backman was splendid.  Her nice moves
and gunning style secured victory for the Hawks.  Overall, Laurier has a good
combination of power players and looks to be a tough team to beat.
 
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 good shooting
 hungerf
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