After coming off an overtime defeat yesterday, the Whale were looking to bounce back and salvage the weekend. It unfortunately did not go in their favor as the Beauts defeated the Whale today by a final score of 6-4.
Here was the game day line up:
It’s Game Day Whale fans!! Here is how our lineup is going to look today!! #FinsUp 🐳 pic.twitter.com/eNLeIFI6MJ
— Connecticut Whale (@CTWhaleHockey) October 20, 2019
In the first period, Buffalo would jump out to a quick lead, only taking 3 minutes to break the ice and draw first blood. The goal came from Brooke Stacy with the assists going to Iveta Klimasova and Marie- Jo Pelletier. It wouldn’t take long for Buffalo to double their lead, the goal from Taylor Accursi on the power play would beat the debuting Cassandra Goyette. Assists on the play came from Marie- Jo Pelletier, her second of the game, and Becki Bowering. However the Whale would get one back 10 minutes later as Kayla Meneghin would notch her first goal of the season, with the assist coming from Kaycie Anderson. 2 minutes later, after a Whale penalty, the Beauts would add to their lead on the power play, with Cassidy MacPherson getting the goal, with Megan Delay and Erin Gehen getting the assists on the power play. Then in quick strike fashion, Buffalo would get another goal, this time from Marie- Jo Pelletier, this would be her third point of the period. Assists on the play came from Lenka Curmova and Sara Bustad. The period would end 4-1 in favor of the Beauts.
End of the first with the score being 4-1. Let’s get ready for the 2nd period.
— Connecticut Whale (@CTWhaleHockey) October 20, 2019
In the start of the second period, we would see a goalie change for the Whale. It just was not Cassandra Goyette’s day and definitely not a debut to remember. In stepped Sonjia Shelly for the Whale. Early on in the second period, the Whale would get a goal from their veteran defender Jordan Brickner. Assist on the play came from Grace Klienbach, and it cut the Beauts lead in half. However, about 2 minutes later the Beauts would answer right back, the goal coming from Lenka Curmova, her second point of the game. Assist on the play came from Sara Bustad, which would be her second assist on the day too. At the end of the second, the score would be 5-2 in favor of the Beauts.
And we go into the intermission with the score 5-2. We’re going to play this game till the end!! Stay tuned for the 3rd period!! #FinsUp
— Connecticut Whale (@CTWhaleHockey) October 20, 2019
In the third period, the Whale would begin their climb back into the game. It would take 6 minutes in the period to see them notch their first goal. The goal coming from Emma Vlasic, and the assist on the play from Shannon Doyle. Ripping a page out of the Buffalo playbook and getting a second goal in quick succession, the Whale would get one from Haley Payne, her first career NWHL goal, in just her second game. The assist on the play came from Hanna Beattie, which made it a one goal game. After some furious back and forth action, it unfortunately would be the closest the Whale would get to tying the game as Brooke Stacey would stash the empty netter. It would be Stacey’s second goal of the game. The assist on the play came from Marie- Jo Pelletier, it would be her third assist of the game and her fourth point.
Final Score Buffalo 6 CT Whale 4. Hard fought game by our players.
— Connecticut Whale (@CTWhaleHockey) October 20, 2019
A tough two games against the Beauts this weekend. Now the Whale will get to face someone different next weekend, as they will get the Whitecaps at home in Danbury. Puck drop will be at 330p on Saturday October 26th.
Notes
- Some congratulations are in order for the following players: Jane Morrisette, Sarah Hughson, Emma Vlasic, and Emma Payne. All four of these players all notched their first career NWHL goals this weekend!
Two tough games against the @BuffaloBeauts this weekend, but congrats to @JaneMorrisette @shughson_8 @emmavlasic & @houseofpayne23 on their first @NWHL goals! 🐳 pic.twitter.com/LPbvgxeQE8
— Connecticut Whale (@CTWhaleHockey) October 20, 2019
- Unfortunately for the Whale, forward Kendra Broad was assessed a 5 minute major for checking from behind and also given a game misconduct in the second period.
5 minute major penalty. We have a long battle ahead. Let’s continue fighting! #FinsUp
— Connecticut Whale (@CTWhaleHockey) October 20, 2019
Fundraising
For those keeping track, Whale defender Shannon Doyle was able to record 4 blocked shots today, giving her 9 blocked shots for the season! Doyle is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c?utm_medium=social
Additionally, Whale forward Kendra Broad was able to record a shot on goal today before her early exit. She has 4 shots on goal for the season. Broad is donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too.
https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser
Sponsored by:
