Queens 4 Ooks 3 (2OT)
Storming back from a one goal deficit with seconds left on the clock in the third period, it took double overtime for the Red Deer College Queens hockey team to emerge as Alberta College Althetic Conference Champions.
Emily Swier scored the OT winner in the second OT after a scramble in front of NAIT Ooks Tehnille Gard. The goal sealed the series for the Queens.
Though the teams traded chances in the first overtime, none got by goalies Gard and Jen West for the Queens.
The Ooks held the lead until late in the third period. With 15 seconds left on the clock and six skaters, the Queens tied it up 3-3 with a scramble in front of the net. Ashley Graf buried it home with the assist going to Cassidy Anderson. The goal forced overtime.
The Queens jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period when their power play found the net twice. The scoring started during a 5-on-3 when the puck was loose in front of the net.
After the first goal, the second one came during the same power play putting the visitors up 2-0.
In the second period the Ooks took over with three goals. It started early, with the tying goal coming on a power play for a knee. The third goal caused a little controversy as there was question to when the net came off of its moorings. But it was called a goal.
The last time the Queens won the ACAC title was 2002. The win snaps the Ooks championship streak, as they have won the last three ACAC women’s hockey titles.
Ooks 6 Kings 0
The Kings were shelled as the top seeded NAIT Ooks cruised to a 6-0 win to open their three game series.
Left winger Tanner Dunkle led the Ooks with two goals and three assists. Kevin Carthy also had two goals while Scott Fellnemrmayr and Tyler Yaworksi had one goal each.
Kings starting goalie Mike Salmon turned aside 33 of the 39 shots he faced, but was given the hook early in the third period. Kraymer Barnstable came on in relief and held the Ooks off the score sheet for the rest of the game.
The Ooks have not lost a game all season, and of their 32 wins only two were not in regulation.
Down a game in the series, it’s do or die time for the Kings as they play host to the Ooks tonight at 7 p.m. at the Penhold multiplex.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com