2009 Esso Cup

ESPOSITO LEADS THUNDER TO FIRST ESSO CUP WIN

by Derek Kelly Neumeier

CALGARY, Alta. – Edmonton Thunder forward Brittany Esposito turned the Esso Cup into the Espo Cup Monday afternoon, scoring one goal and adding three assists to lead her team to a 5-1 victory over the Scarborough Sharks in the second game for both at the National Female Midget Championship.

Edmonton found their offensive legs at unexpected times, scoring a pair of shorthanded goals. The first happened midway through the first when forward Jenna Klynstra took a slick pass from Esposito on the boards,
went in alone and beat Sharks goaltender Marissa Kozovki up high with a sharp wrist shot, giving her team an early 1-0 lead.

The second goal came in the second period thanks to a great individual effort by Esposito. After blocking a shot at the point she picked up the loose puck, skated past a Sharks defender and beat Kozovski with a nifty deke.

Scarborough’s march to the penalty box prevented it from making any kind of a comeback – the Ontario champions were whistled for 11 minor penalties, six in the first period with the game in the balance, and four more in the third with the Sharks trailing.

With the win the Thunder up its record to 1-1, while the Sharks remain without a win at 0-2. Edmonton will look to keep the momentum going against the host Calgary Flyers on Tuesday, while Scarborough will look to regroup with a day off before facing the Northern Stars on Wednesday.

LISTEN!:
LISTEN!: