The NAIT Ooks women's hockey team scored two late goals to sweep the Olds Broncos.
EDMONTON, ALTA. - Verca Kuželová scored with six seconds remaining, to give the NAIT Ooks women's hockey team a 3-2 win and weekend sweep over the Olds Broncos.
Jenn Gaeckle 12:43 into the opening period to give the Ooks a 1-0 lead through 20 minutes. The Broncos would respond scoring twice in the second period, including one powerplay goal from Taeya Nicol, to give her team a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. Despite controlling the play for the majority of the game, the Ooks would find themselves trailing late into the third. Natsumi Kurokawa tied the game for NAIT, as she beat Lexi Bruce at the 17:05 mark in the final frame. Then with only six seconds remaining, fifth-year forward Verca Kuželová scored giving the Ooks the win.
"Tonight's game was a reality check for us as a team. There were periods of time where we really struggled to respond to Olds' intensity. We felt very confident in our systems including our special teams, but we knew it was going to come down to attitude and effort. It was evident that Olds was ready to play and looking to take some points from us in our barn. Luckily, we were able to find a happy ending with two great comeback goals," said Ooks' head coach Stef Thomson following the game.
Players of the Games
NAIT Ooks - Verca Kuželová
Olds Broncos - Lexi Bruce
The Big Picture
With this win, the NAIT Ooks improve to 13-3-1 and remain first atop the ACAC women's hockey standings. The Broncos fall to 5-11-1 and remain in fourth.
What's Next?
The NAIT Ooks will travel to Red Deer next Friday to take on the RDC Kings. The Olds Broncos head into a bye week.