STFX blanks UPEI 4-0 to open up second half of season

ANTIGONISH, NS — The U SPORTS No. 5 ranked STFX X-Women broke open a tight game with three goals in the final 2:06 and went on to defeat the UPEI Panthers 4–0 Friday night in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action at the STFX Keating Centre.

After a scoreless opening period and a 1–0 StFX lead through 40 minutes, the hosts poured it on late in the third, turning a close contest into a convincing victory.

STFX struck first 2:03 into the second period when Vivian Hinch fired a puck through traffic in front of the UPEI net to give the X-Women the game's opening goal. Tea Pearce and Landyn Pitts had the helpers.

The Panthers pushed back in the middle frame but were unable to solve the STFX defence or goaltending. UPEI finished the night 0-for-6 on the power play, including four opportunities in the second period.

The game remained tight until the final minutes of the third, when STFX broke through. At 9:52 Toby Graham finished a play, pouncing on a rebound off a Mackenzie Lothian shot to put X up 2-0.

UPEI pressured while on the power play and pulled Erin Cabaday from the net with just over four minutes to play, creating a 6-on-4 advantage but they were unable to capitalize. When the power play expired and the Panthers net still empty, Claire Carruthers scored an empty net goal at 17:54.

Just 19 seconds later, Kalle Hastman converted a feed from Carruthers and Hinch to close out the 4-0 win.

STFX outshot UPEI 36–25 on the night, including a 14–7 edge in the third period.

Carruthers and Hinch each had a goal and an assist on the night, with Hinch earning third star honours. Pearce had two assists and was named the game's second star, while X-Women goaltender Jorja Burrows earned first-star and Gabriel Pizza player of the game honours after turning aside all 25 shots for the shutout.

With the win, STFX improves to 13-4-0 on the season atop the AUS conference, while UPEI drops to 10-7-1.

The X-Women are back on home ice Saturday night when they take on the Moncton Aigles Bleues (9-7-1).

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STFX was pleased to have Brock McGillis - former professional hockey player and public speaker who promotes inclusion in sports and other areas of life - on hand for the ceremonial puck drop during STFX Pride Month. He was joined on ice by X-Pride Society members Teresa Keenan and Jay Michaud.