Dinos Women's Hockey Team Secures Hard-Fought Crowchild Classic Victory
The University of Calgary Dinos women's hockey team demonstrated resilience and strategic execution on Thursday afternoon, securing a 2-1 victory over their crosstown rivals, the Mount Royal Cougars, in the highly anticipated Crowchild Classic at Scotiabank Saddledome. This hard-fought win extends the Dinos' recent dominance in this annual rivalry series, marking their third consecutive triumph and sixth victory in the last seven matchups.
Early Scoring and Defensive Stand Define the Contest
Caitlyn Perlinger ignited the scoring early in the second period with a precise shot from the wing, marking her first goal of the season. This moment was particularly significant as it represented the first goal by a Dinos defender in the Crowchild Classic since Stephanie Zvonkovic's contribution in a 2014 victory. Josie McLeod followed with what proved to be the game-winning goal early in the third period, capitalizing on a defensive breakdown to net her third of the season.
The Dinos' defensive structure, anchored by goaltender Amelia Awad's exceptional performance, proved decisive. Awad made 28 saves throughout the contest, with an impressive 17 stops coming during a tense final period as the Cougars mounted a late offensive surge.
Late Surge Falls Short for Mount Royal
The Mount Royal Cougars demonstrated remarkable determination in the game's final ten minutes, generating sustained pressure that culminated in Gabby Lindsay's late goal. However, the Dinos' defensive discipline and Awad's composure under pressure ensured the one-goal margin held until the final buzzer.
Dinos head coach Josh Gosling acknowledged the team's performance, stating, "We did what we needed to do. I don't think we liked the whole sixty, but I think our desperation put us in a great spot. I give the girls a ton of credit, they did what they needed to do."
Season Implications and Looking Ahead
This victory carries significant implications for both teams' Canada West conference standings. The Dinos improve their season record to 14-5-4, while the Cougars fall to 18-6-1. The competitive intensity displayed throughout the contest suggests both teams will remain formidable contenders as the season progresses.
The first period established the game's physical and emotional tone, with both teams adapting to the energetic atmosphere at Scotiabank Saddledome. Goaltenders Awad for Calgary and Scout Anderson for Mount Royal exchanged impressive saves, keeping the contest scoreless through the opening twenty minutes.
Perlinger reflected on her opening goal with characteristic humility, noting, "We've been talking that we want to get more pucks in the net, so I got the puck and put it in the net." This straightforward approach proved effective against a determined Cougars squad.
The rivalry continues as both teams prepare for their next confrontation at Father David Bauer Arena, where the intensity of this classic matchup is certain to be renewed.
