In a game defined by special teams and a relentless shot barrage, the Phantoms Female Hockey team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Calgary Glaciers. The story of the night was the incredible goaltending performance by Ellaina Young in net for the Phantoms. Facing a staggering 53 shots from the Glaciers, Young stood tall, turning away all but two to backstop her team to victory. The Phantoms' offense, while outshot 53-28, was ruthlessly efficient, capitalizing on key opportunities to build their lead.
The Phantoms struck first on the power play in a penalty-dense first period. With Jewels Kerr of the Glaciers in the box for checking behind, Ruby Hurd converted a setup from Micah Franko and Taylee Mason to give the home team an early 1-0 lead. The game remained a tight-checking affair until the second period, where the Glaciers finally solved Young. Hana Chalupova netted an even-strength goal, assisted by Lilly Redmond and Lily Bennett, to tie the game at 1-1. The Phantoms responded quickly, however, as Taylee Mason restored their lead with a goal assisted by Micah Franko and Sienna Pokol. Just before the period ended, the Glaciers' Abigail Mills answered, tying the game at 2-2 off a feed from Molli Radford and Emma Sawin, setting up a dramatic third period.
The final frame was a tense, goaltending duel. The Phantoms' Young continued her stellar play, weathering a 16-shot period from the Glaciers. With the game seemingly headed for overtime, a crucial penalty was called with just four minutes remaining. The Phantoms' Everleigh Knock was sent off for tripping, putting the Glaciers on a late power play. The Phantoms' penalty kill, anchored by Young, held firm. Then, in the final moments, the Phantoms were awarded a penalty shot. Stepping up in the clutch, Micah Franko calmly beat Glaciers netminder Alexandra Seminuk to snatch the victory as time expired, capping off a two-assist, game-winning goal performance in a true goaltender's battle.
