Fox earns shutout as Queens blank Broncos at home

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB - Queens defenceman Alexandra Black picked the perfect time to score her first career goal in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).

With time winding down in the third period, the first-year defender scored the game winner from inside the blueline. Queens goaltender Madison Fox was perfect in net and RDP added an empty netter to earn a 2-0 shutout victory over the Olds College Broncos. 

"The Broncos are always hard to score against," said Kelly Coulter, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Hockey Head Coach. "They defend very well and play a very tight box, so you really have to try to get your shots through and then drive the net and look for those rebounds."

Both goaltenders were unbeatable over 40 minutes. Queens netminder Madison Fox made 19 saves and Broncos goalie Cheyenne Jamieson turned aside 17 shots over two periods. 

With under five minutes left in the third period, Alexandra Black released a shot from the point and it found room under Jamieson to push Red Deer Polytechnic up 1-0. Defender Kiera Mulder and captain Camryn Wallan picked up the assists. 

Black (12)

"Her goal tonight was simple, putting her shot on net like we ask our D to do and she got rewarded for it. Alex executes what we ask and she keeps her game simple," added Coulter. "She is very coachable. Alex reads the ice well and looks for her options. She sticks to our game plan and that's why she is successful."

Late in the third, the Broncos pulled Jamieson for the extra skater, but they couldn't convert. Queens forward Madison Sansom found the open cage with 36 seconds remaining to solidify a 2-0 home victory. 

Madison Fox was selected the North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game, recording the 21 save shutout. 

"I thought Madison was very focused tonight. She wanted to follow Tanya's lead and she had a good week of practice," explained Coulter.

"She held us in there when we needed her to. We are really happy with the three goalies we have and feel that any one of them gives us an opportunity to win. It makes the coaches' decisions tough, so it's a blessing." 

Jamieson was solid, making 20 saves and picking up the top player recognition for the Broncos.

The RDP Queens went zero-for-four on the power play. The Broncos couldn't score on three opportunities with the extra skater. 

Over the break, there were a few roster changes. 

"We added Kassy Gaudette to our backend. She previously played at Olds and has two years of experience at the ACAC level. She's a full-time Nursing student here and is a good addition as we lost Braxtyn Shawara," said Coulter.

"Her program wasn't going to transfer to Prince George so she decided to go a semester early, which opened up a spot. With some of the injuries on the backend, we thought Kass would be a good addition with an experienced player. We are happy to have her."

Gaudette (23)

In Thursday's game against the Broncos, the Queens lost an important student-athlete for an extended time.

"Unfortunately Avery Lajeunnesse broke her ankle last game. It was just a freak accident with no contact," said Coulter. "It just happens sometimes and it looks like it will be a season ending injury, which will be a huge hole for us to fill. She is a driver and leader of our team, on and off the ice. She helps set the culture and inspires her teammates with the way she plays."

There will be opportunties for other players to step up in Lajeunnesse's absence. 

The Olds College Broncos (1-5) will be back in action on Thursday, January 27 when they host the NAIT Ooks (4-0) at 7 pm.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (4-1) will compete against the SAIT Trojans (1-4) in Calgary on Friday, January 28 at 7 pm.

Mary Hirsch (24)