KITCHENER, Ont. – The Brock Badgers Ringette team was on the road this weekend, as they competed in the Kitchener Ringette Tournament. The tournament included 5 Universities, with each team playing 4 round robin games, and the top two teams advancing to the finals.
The Badgers were able to go undefeated in round robin, and collected silver in the tournament. This silver medal is the first medal in a regular season tournament for the Brock Ringette Program, and adds to the silver the team earned at the University Challenge Cup (UCC), the University National Championships, over the winter break.
On Friday, February 2, the Badgers kicked off the tournament playing Western University. After the Mustangs started off the scoring in the mid first half, the Badgers followed by 3 quick goals from Brienne Paterson, Jordyn Cousins, and Mahren Young. After leading the first half 5-3, Brock goaltender Alyssa Godin was able to shut out Western's attacks in the second, allowing the Badgers to seal the deal and take the game 7-3. Other Badger goals came from Raegan Hayter, and Ashley Franko. In the second game, the red and blue faced Nipissing University, out for revenge after being defeated by the Badgers in the UCC Semi-Finals. Although Allison Sage was able to open the scoring, and the Badgers were up 3-2 at half, the Lakers were able to defend their net in the second, leaving the game tied at 4-4.
Saturday saw the Badgers start the day by facing Laurier University. This was the first time the teams met since the Golden Hawks defeated the Badgers to take home the UCC Championship. The Badgers came out on fire, but were met with a high intensity pace from the Golden Hawks. After Godin denied 2 breakaways in the first, the Badgers were up 2-0 going into the second half. Laurier continued to press on, but the Brock defence would hold the game, earning the 3-1 victory. In the last round robin game, the Badgers faced the University of Guelph. The Gryphons were able to hold Brock 2-2 in the first, following two breakaway goals by Cousins. Nothing could stop the Badgers in the second half, as they not only won the game 4-2, but claimed the first overall place, earning the chance to play in the finals.
After a long nights rest, the Badgers were back to take on the Gryphons for a re-match in the final. After a goal by Hayter in the first, Guelph responded with one of their own, while on a long 3-on-2 power play. Both teams were playing with all their heart and will to win, and entered the second half 1-1. The Gryphons caught a break in the mid second half, scoring another goal past Godin, and were able to add one more before the buzzer to defeat the Badgers 3-1.
The Badgers were able to have some impressive results with 3 players in the top 4 for points. Cousins and Hayter both recorded 8 points over 5 games, tying for most points overall, with B. Paterson recording 6 to secure 4th overall. B. Paterson also recorded 1st overall for goals scored with 5. In between the pipes, Godin was able to sweep the board, with most games played, least goals allowed, lowest Goals Against Average (GAA), highest save percentage (SV%), and was the only goalie of the tournament to record a point, with an assist.
The Brock Ringette Team is back on the ice this Sunday, February 11, 2pm at the Gale Centre, to take on the Jordan Ringette team in an exhibition game as they prepare for the Provincial Championships in March.
