The Sault Senior Wildcats had two solid efforts this past weekend in preparation for the upcoming Women's Provincial Hockey Championships.
In their first game, they outplayed and outshot the speedy Midget AA Sudbury Wolves, but lost 5-3. Scoring for the Wildcats were Ashley Driver, Melissa Holder and Jeanette Bondy. Bondy also had one assist along with Catherine Schryer, Erica Avery and Shannon Mashinter.
Wildcats' captain, Sharon Buehner, commented on the game saying, "It was fast, competitive, and exactly the type of hockey we expect to face all next weekend (at the Provincials)."
She has no doubt the team is ready for the Ontario Championships.
"We've all seen it before, where the score doesn't actually reflect what happened on the ice. We had a great game. We stayed positive and outplayed them and we feel good about that. We had a lot of chances but just didn't finish. I'm confident that with the same work ethic and the right bounce here and there next weekend, we'll be in the finals."
Scoring hasn't really been a problem for this squad. In their past ten games against other Senior AA teams, they've scored 41 goals and allowed only 16.
In their second game on Saturday, they defeated the Cambrian Mall Midget AA Wildcats 6-0. Andrea Scornaienchi had the shutout. Melissa Holder led the way with a hat trick. Shannon Mashinter, Catherine Schryer and Sharon Buehner each scored once.
The Wildcats leave this Thursday for the Provincial Championships in Brampton (Feb 28-March 2). Twelve Senior AA teams will compete for the Provincial title. The top two teams will earn a trip to the Central Canadian Championships in April. The Wildcats play Friday afternoon against Newtonbrook. They meet London in their second game Friday evening.