Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Women's Ice Hockey team opened their 2024-25 season with an exhibition game against the U22 AA Stoney Creek Sabers.
How it Happened
FIRST PERIOD: The Lakers came out firing by putting shots on net, spending a lot of time in Stoney Creek's zone. Vanessa Upson came out hot and put multiple shots on net in her first few shifts. The Lakers defense did its job by protecting their zone, allowing few shots on net, and getting shots on their opponent. Megan McKay with a blocked shot that keeps the score at 0-0. Late in the first period the Lakers found the back of the net as Vanessa Upson scored. Vanessa Upson's first goal of the season was assisted by Thea Johansson and Sofia Nuutinen. A penalty by the Lakers gave Stoney Creek the advantage. The Lakers killed Stoney Creek's power play. Time expired and the Lakers led 1-0 at the end of the first period.
SECOND PERIOD: Just like the first period, the Lakers came out hot and put multiple shots on net within the first few minutes. About five minutes into the second period, the Lakers went on a power play but did not find the back of the net. The Lakers took a tripping penalty halfway through the second period, and during Stoney Creek's power play, Marielle Parks found a breakaway and hit the post. Stoney Creek took a hooking penalty, making it four on four for a short period. Power plays for both teams expired, and the score was still 1-0. Marielle Parks and Tristana Tatur were firing shots left and right but could not tuck one. At the end of the second period the score remained 1-0.
THIRD PERIOD: Early in the third period, Stoney Creek took a penalty for body checking. Julia Schalin found the top left corner and made the score 2-0 for her first career goal. The goal was assisted by Chantel Ste-Croix. About halfway through the third period, the Lakers went on a power play. The Lakers took a tripping penalty. But it did not matter for the Lakers, as Vanessa Upson got a breakaway and went bar down. The penalty kill unit did its job and got the lakers to even strength. With about five minutes remaining in the third period, it is 3-0. With about two minutes left in the third period, Vanessa Upson went bar down for her hattrick on the night. The Lakers finished the night with 53 shots on net and only allowing 17. The Lakers opened their season with a win at home and a final score of 4-0.
Highlights
Vanessa Upson recorded a hat-trick in the win.
Julia Schalin found the back of the net for a goal in the win as well.
Thea Johansson, Sofia Nuutinen, and Chantal Ste-Croix all recorded assists in the win.
Next Up
The Lakers will open their regular season at home next weekend as they welcome in #5 Colgate for a two-game series. Puck drop for game one is set for 6pm.
