2016 National Women's Under-18 Championship

MARKOVIC GETS GAME-WINNER ON LATE PENALTY SHOT

WENDY GRAVES

REGINA, Sask. – Helen Markovic (Embrun, Ont./Nepean, PWHL) scored on a penalty shot with 19 seconds left in the third period, giving Ontario Blue its second win of the 2016 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, a 2-1 decision over Team Atlantic.

After a Team Atlantic player covered the puck in the crease, Markovic swept the puck in low stick side on goaltender Ava Boutilier (Charlottetown, P.E.I./Charlottetown, PEIMAAAHL).

Sierra Burt (Bayfield, Ont./Bluewater, PWHL) scored the other goal for Ontario Blue. Summer-Rae Dobson (Huntsville, Ont./Ridley College, JWHL) and Carley Olivier (Sudbury, Ont./Waterloo, PWHL) had the assists.

Tristyn Elford (New Liskeard, Ont./Etobicoke, PWHL) made 25 saves for her second win in as many games.

Brette Pettet (Kentville, N.S./Shattuck-St. Mary’s, USHS) had the lone Team Atlantic goal, assisted by Julia Schmitt (Bible Hill, N.S./King’s-Edgehill Prep, CAHS) and Mae Batherson (New Minas, N.S./King’s-Edgehill Prep, CAHS).

Boutilier was outstanding in net in the loss, making 49 saves.

Team Atlantic opened the scoring 7:40 in on the power play. Pettet carried the puck into the offensive zone, then sent a cross-ice feed to Schmitt. She returned the pass to Pettet, who finished far side from the bottom of the circle.

Ontario Blue pulled even at the 14:31 mark of the second period, when Burt banged home a rebound in the crease.

Team Atlantic had its chances, especially on the power play, but could only score once in seven man-advantages.

Ontario Blue has now won all seven meetings between the two teams.

The loss means Team Atlantic will play in the seventh-place game on Saturday against Manitoba.

Ontario Blue will learn when it plays next after the last game of the preliminary round between Ontario Red and Saskatchewan.