2005 Esso Women's Nationals

Manitoba - 1 New Brunswick - 9

Round Robin
March 9, 2005
Sarnia, ON

New Brunswick took to the ice in their first game against Manitoba hoping to revenge a 5-2 loss from last year’s meeting.  New Brunswick came out of the gates like a well-oiled machine that had been playing together all year. Manitoba goal tender Pam May kept her team in the game in the early going; standing on her head at times.

New Brunswick scored late in the first period when Isabelle Aube put on a display of skill and patience in the slot; waiting for May to make the first move, then shooting for the 1-0 lead.

Manitoba came out strong in the second period but got into penalty trouble.  They managed to kill off a 5 on 3 New Brunswick power play.  Goal tender May was spectacular.  New Brunswick made it 2-0 midway into the second when Sara O’Toole redirected a shot from Chantal Jaillet.

Melinda Kaye gave New Brunswick a 3-0 lead late in the second period; picking the top corner from a difficult angle. 

New Brunswick erupted for 5 goals in 7 minutes midway through the third period.  Krista Black scored on a scramble to make it 4-0.  Nathalie Pellerin banged in a rebound from a shot by Sara O’Toole.  O’Toole took a pass from Brea Arbeau then put on a stick handling extravaganza through a maze of players and scored goal number 6 for a commanding 6-0 lead. Robin Thompson broke in alone seconds later going top shelf to make it 7-0.  Thompson wasn’t finished there.  She picked up a pass from Isabelle Aube 10 seconds later a broke through the Manitoba defense to make it 8-0. 

New Brunswick increased the lead to 9-0 with less than 2 minutes to play when Abby Barton went coast-to-coast.  May made the save but Nathalie Pellerin was on the door step with the rebound.

Manitoba spoiled Emily Hobbs bid for a shut-out with a minute to play. Ashley Van Aggelen broke in alone, ripped a shot that Hobbs got in front of but Faith McDonald was quick to jump on the rebound.

Sharla Cowling was named Player of the Game for Manitoba while Sara O’Toole got the honors for New  Brunswick.  Isabelle Aude was also very noticeable in the game with amazing speed and agility.