2005-06 National Women's Team

Canada 3 - Calgary AAA Midget Royals 2

Exhibition
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Calgary, AB
Father David Bauer Arena

CALGARY, AB – The first period was full of back and forth action as both teams generated a number of scoring chances. Charline Labonte, in net for Canada, and the starter for the Calgary Royals, Thomas Hewton-Waters, shut the door at opposite ends of the ice as the teams skated to a 0-0 draw after one period.

The second period was a penalty filled affair as the intensity level increased a notch from the opening period. Canada successfully killed off two 5-on-3 advantages, but the Royals were able to score just as the first penalty expired. Royal’s forward Zach Johnson went upstairs on a backhand after driving to the front of Canada’s net to open the scoring at the half way mark of the second period. Canada replied on a nifty three way passing play that saw captain Cassie Campbell bury one past the Royals netminder to even things at 1-1. Charline Labonte kept things even with a number of spectacular saves including denying the Royals on two breakaway opportunities.

With both teams fighting for the win, the third period was a real battle. Canada took a one goal lead on the power play when defenseman Carla MacLeod walked in from the point and beat the Royals goalie with a shot between the legs. Rookie Meghan Agosta increased Canada’s lead to 3-1 on a great second effort goal. The Royals got to within one when David Lawrence sprung loose on a short handed breakaway and beat Charline Labonte, but that was as close as it would get. Labonte made 34 saves for the victory, the second one in as many nights for Canada.

With a weekend off to rest up, Canada will travel to Medicine Hat and Lethbridge next Tuesday and Wednesday before heading off to Europe to play a series of exhibition games in Turin, Italy.