2016 National Women's Under-18 Championship

D’ASTOUS-MOREAU EARNS SEMIFINAL SHUTOUT

WENDY GRAVES

REGINA, Sask. – Behind a 31-save shutout by Édith D’Astous-Moreau (Laval, Que./Nepean, PWHL) and a three-goal first period by the offence, Quebec defeated Ontario Blue 3-0 on Saturday to advance to the gold medal game of the 2016 National Women’s Under-18 Championship.

The goals came from Amy Landry (Beaconsfield, Que./Dawson College, CEGEP) , Kristen Guerriero (Pointe-Claire, Que./Dawson College, CEGEP) and Alice Fillion (Québec, Que./Limoilou, CEGEP). Audrey-Anne Veillette (Drummonville, Que./Stanstead College, CAHS) had two assists and Émilie Lavoie (Beloeil, Que./Nord, LHFDQ) added one helper.

Jaimie Rainville (Welland, Ont./Stoney Creek, PWHL) made 23 saves for Ontario Blue.

The two perennial medal contenders found themselves in a familiar spot: in the semifinals of the U18 nationals. Ontario Blue was making its sixth appearance in seven years, and Quebec has now been one of the final four teams nine times in the event’s 11-tournament history.

This marked the third time Ontario Blue and Quebec have played in the U18 nationals semifinals. Quebec also won in 2008 and 2009.

Quebec essentially sealed this one in a seven-minute span of the first period.

Landry picked up a loose puck near the side boards, drove through the circle and went top corner short side for one of the nicest goals of the tournament so far.

Nearly three minutes later, on the power play, Guerriero’s shot from up high went off the post and in.

And four minutes after that Fillion scored from the goal line with her backhand.

Five penalties through the first two periods didn’t allow Ontario Blue’s offence to get into a steady flow. The penalty kill allowed only one goal, but efforts to get on the board were put on hold too often.

Further complicating a comeback was that for as much skill as Quebec has, it’s also relentless in its checking. Ontario Blue also had to beat D’Astous-Moreau – last year’s Top Goaltender at the U18 nationals – four times.

With about 20 seconds to go in the third and D’Astous-Moreau pulled out of position, Laurie Fontaine (Longueuil, Que./Nord, LHFDQ) dove in front of an open cage to preserve the shutout.