SAIT Trojans slip by RDP Queens in a shootout at Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – Seventy minutes of hockey couldn't decide a winner between the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens and SAIT Trojans.

Trojans goaltender Ali Kieren made 53 saves and Tamryn Ward scored in the shootout, lifting the visitors to a 2-1 road decision.

"I thought their goaltender played extremely well," said Kelly Coulter, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Hockey Head Coach. "We put up that many shots and she kept them out. It was a good game for her."

After a scoreless first period, the Queens broke the stalemate at 10:37 of the middle frame.

First-year Brenna Reid's fourth goal of the season pushed the Queens ahead 1-0. RDP defender Alesha Santos passed the puck up the boards and forward Dylan Norrie tipped it toward the middle of the ice, sending Reid and teammate Jailyn Bablitz in alone on SAIT's goaltender Kieren. Reid elected to shoot, beating Kieren on the blocker side.

Three minutes into the final frame, the SAIT Trojans evened the contest.

Williams Lake's Pyper Alexander danced around a Queens' defender and roofed her shot over RDP netminder Tanya Disotell-Dunsmore's glove for her fourth goal and seventh point of the season.

"It was a great shot by their player to score - I'll give that to her. Tanya hasn't played in some time, so we were happy to see that she got right back to where she left off," said Coulter of the first-year netminder who made some key saves.

Disotell-Dunsmore last started on January 20, when the Queens defeated the Olds College Broncos 4-2.

The RDP Queens had several good opportunities to score throughout the game.

"We have to get back to trying to be a bit more selective with our shots and picking corners, rather than just putting them on net," explained Coulter. "We have to start shooting to score, as well, not just putting them into a scoring location."

After two scoreless periods of overtime, SAIT's Ward was the only player to convert in the shootout. Ward faked a shot and tucked the puck around a sprawling Disotell-Dunsmore.

Wallan (21)

North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game Camryn Wallan had a hardworking effort.

Trojans Player of the Game Kieren made 53 saves (0.981%).

Disotell-Dunsmore turned aside 16 shots (0.941%) and now sports a 0.72 goals against average and 0.963 save percentage.

"Tanya is very steady and calm back there. She tracks the puck well," added Coulter. "I was really happy with her game again tonight. She wasn't too busy, but when we needed her she was there."

The RDP Queens went zero-for-three on the power play. The Trojans couldn't connect on four opportunities.

Natalie Buttle (2) and Mary Hirsch (24)

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (8-2-2) will challenge the SAIT Trojans (2-10-0) on Saturday, February 26 in Calgary at 7 pm in a rematch.

"I think we have to attack more off the rush. Down low, we had good puck possession, but they collapse really well in front of their net. So, you have to get it off the rush or off the cycle," said Coulter.

"We want to create more scoring chances and finishing the two-on-ones that we had. There were a lot of offensive chances we had - we just didn't finish. Hopefully the hockey gods give us a touch on the hands and make us better finishers tomorrow."

The RDP Queens and NAIT Ooks are tied for first place with 18 points, but the Queens have a game in hand.

The Queens and Olds College Broncos will make up their two postponed regular season games on March 3 and 4.

Alli Soyko (93)