Women’s Hockey: Catamounts Drop 4-2 Decision at Northeastern

Posted on by George Commo

Courtesy Vermont Sports Information

BOSTON,MA. –– Maude Poulin-Labelle tied the game in the third period, but third-ranked Northeastern (15-2-0, 12-2-0 HEAW) answered with a pair of goals to defeat Vermont (7-8-5, 4-6-3 HEAW) on Monday at Matthews Arena.

COACH’S QUOTE
“I’m proud of the way we played today,” said head coach Jim Plumer. “This was certainly a game that we were competitive in for 60 minutes. I think there’s a lot that we can take away from this game going forward. Credit to Northeastern for capitalizing on their chances.”

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Huskies struck early in the first period when Miceala Sindoris registered her first goal of the season. The sophomore collected a rebound and scooped the puck over the shoulder of Blanka Škodová (22 saves) for the opening goal. Brooke Hobson and Mia Brown were credited with assists 4:47 into the game.
Corinne McCool answered with 6:29 remaining in the period to tie the game at 1-1. The West Roxbury, Massachusetts native buried a rebound past Aerin Frankel (24 saves) for her team-leading ninth goal of the season. Ève-Audrey Picard and Poulin-Labelle collected assists on the Catamounts’ goal.
Northeastern took the lead before the first intermission on a snap shot by Alina Mueller. Codie Cross dished the puck to Mueller in the neutral zone before her go-ahead goal.
Vermont outshot Northeastern 11-8 in the scoreless middle frame. The Cats had a key penalty kill late in the period, which included a pair of saves by Škodová. Back at even strength, Kristina Shanahan nearly tied the game for UVM when she rang the post with a quick shot from the slot.
Poulin-Labelle matched McCool’s team-leading goal count with the tying marker before the midway point of the third period. The blueliner faked a pass and whistled a shot through traffic. Picard and Sini Karjalainen were credited with assists on the goal.
Mueller registered her second goal of the game, which was the decider, with 9:26 left in regulation. Skylar Fontaine added an empty-net goal in the game’s final minute.
NOTES
Poulin-Labelle’s goal puts her in a tie for most goals by a defenseman in the country. She is currently tied with Emily Curlett (Robert Morris) and Jenna Abeyta (Post). The Sherbrooke, Québec native has a two-goal lead on Skylar Fontaine for the most by a Hockey East defender.

UP NEXT
Vermont returns to action on Saturday (Jan. 4) when it hosts Providence at Gutterson Fieldhouse. Puck drop is slated for 4 p.m. The afternoon contest is Military Appreciation Night, presented by Milton CAT. Military members and their families can receive free tickets by bringing their military issued ID to the box office. There will also be a station where fans can write letters of gratitude to those who are currently serving.