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Panthers grab U11BB series lead
Thomson and Clarke score in a 2-0 St. Thomas win over Windsor
March 21, 2023
By Rob J. Ross
ST. THOMAS - In a battle of large felines the St. Thomas Panthers hold the advantage.
Lacey Thomson and Kayla Clarke scored and goalie Bella Dutra picked up the shutout, as the Panthers blanked the Windsor Wildcats, 2-0, in game two of their OWHA Southern League U11BB division final, Monday at Memorial arena.
"We were on a plateau for a little bit, but the last number of games we've been starting to peak again coming into our own," Panthers' head coach Mark Holmes said.
Dutra made several big saves, including one with her blocker on a high shot in the first period, a paddle stop in the second and glove snag in the third, all while the Panthers held a 1-0 lead.
"She made great saves," Holmes said. "She had good
glove saves and she covered the net really well. She was on fire tonight."
Lexi MacMillan and Vayda Harris, picked up assists on Thomson's goal.
St. Thomas leads the four point series, three to one, with the third and final game at Windsor Wednesday. The teams tied game one, 1-1, Sunday in Windsor.
"We need a tie or win to take the series. It'll be a hard fought game (three) for sure," Holmes said. "We're going to tell them to go out there and work hard every shift and try not to give up any pucks in critical areas and manage the puck. We do best when we manage the puck and carry it into the zone, make D to D passes and transition up the wall."
If Windsor wins game three in regulation, a 10-minute overtime period and if required, a five player shootout, will follow to determine the series winner.
The team with four points moves on to face Grand River in the Southern league semifinals.
St. Thomas already has a spot at the OWHA provincial playdown championships, April 14-16 in Scarborough.
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