Fox and Queens blank Trojans, Norrie scores first in ACAC

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB - Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Hockey goaltender Madison Fox was unbeatable Saturday evening.

The SAIT Trojans tested the Bachelor of Science Nursing student 26 times, but they couldn't get on the scoreboard. The RDP Queens earned a 2-0 home victory, taking the two-game series.

"I thought my teammates were really good at taking the man in front of the net, tying up their sticks, and making sure that they couldn't tap in an open net shot," said Fox. "They were really good at pushing the Trojans out of the way and getting those rebounds if I couldn't get to them." 

Bowtell (18)

After a scoreless opening frame, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens broke the stalemate in the second period.

Trojans goalie Becca Boswell stopped the initial wrist shot from first-year forward Dylan Norrie. Then Monica Bowtell took a crack at the rebound, but Norrie followed the play and cashed in at 10:50. It was Norrie's first goal in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). Madison Sansom added an assist.

Norrie (17)

"We feel Dylan has the potential to become a power forward in this league. She has good hands, a good shot, and good size," said Kelly Coulter, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Hockey Head Coach.

"She went to the net and used her size to make sure she could get into position to put the puck in. Dylan is very coachable and when she executes to what her strengths are, I think she will be a very good player in this league."

The home team went up a pair on a five-on-three power play about midway through the third period. Natalie Buttle followed up on her original shot and beat Boswell on the backhand. The marker was Buttle's fourth, and fifth point in seven games. Mary Hirsch and Alli Soyko had the assists. 

With 1:53 left in the third, the visitors had an opportunity to pull closer with a power play. The SAIT Trojans pulled Boswell for a two skater advantage, but they couldn't find the back of the net. The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens wrapped up the home win. 

"I was playing like it was still a zero-zero game and doing anything I could to keep my team in it," said Fox about the Trojans' late power play. 

"I tend to focus on stopping the next shot. It keeps me in the game and I'm not worrying about what might happen down the road. I focus on the here and now." 

Fox was recognized as the North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game. The second-year from Maple Ridge has an impressive 1.33 goals against average and 0.949 save percentage. 

Fox (1)

"Madi's game has really become controlled and more calm, which comes with being a veteran," said Coulter. "She understands that the game can get pressure filled and I find this year she's a little bit more calm in her mechanics and movement, and confident. When you get shutouts, confidence really helps any player."

Kiera Gorrigsen picked up the top player award for the Trojans.

Becca Boswell turned aside 29 shots. 

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens continue to dominate the goaltending statistics. Collectively, Fox, Tanya Disotell-Dunsmore and Izzy Palumbo have a 1.00 goals against average and 0.962 save percentage.

"The three goalies we have really push each other," said Coulter. "They see how hard their counterparts battle and they want to do their part as well." 

The NAIT Ooks have the second lowest goals against average (2.71). The Olds College Broncos netminders have the next best save percentage (0.896).

The strong goaltending statistics are also a reflection on the Queens' commitment to team defence. 

"It's something we continually practice during the week, is being solid defensively. The goalies we have are really playing solid back there and help us when we do make mistakes," explained Coulter. "It makes us even better defensively. It starts in practice, creating good habits and that's what we're seeing from the girls."

The RDP Queens went one-for-six on the power play. The Trojans couldn't connect on three attempts.

The SAIT Trojans (1-7) will host the Olds College Broncos (2-6) on Thursday, February 3 at 7 pm.

On Saturday, February 5, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (6-1) will face-off against the NAIT Ooks (6-1) in Edmonton at 2 pm.

Mary Hirsch (24)