Defensive test coming up for Rams against Nipissing

TORONTO - After a rocky 4-1 loss to the OUA-best Toronto Varsity Blues last weekend, the Rams face the undefeated Nipissing Lakers in a home-and-away series this week.

The Lakers currently bolster the best offence in the OUA, owning a remarkable 16-2 goals-for ratio throughout four games this season.

Typically, the Rams are hailed for their offensive firepower, with the shot of Lauren Nicholson and speed of Olivia Giardetti and Brooklyn Gemmill. Avery Horlock and Savannah Bouzide have also looked dangerous as part of head coach Lisa Haley's top line. Yet last Saturday, only the Rams' depth could find the score sheet.

Putting up just 12 shots on goal through 60 minutes, a rebound was tapped in by Mia Morano. The forward was quick to praise veteran netminder Rachel Seeley post-game.

"Seeley really makes a difference for our team, she stands on her head," said Morano. "I don't even know how she makes some of those saves," she added with a smile.

The Rams will only rely on Seeley further this week in their two contests against Nipissing. She was called on to make 23 saves against Toronto despite the Rams' best efforts to clog shooting and passing lanes.

Special teams was also a curious case for the Rams last week as they killed off all Toronto power plays, yet failed to score on five player-advantages of their own. However, coach Haley focused on the positive penalty killing results last Saturday.

"I was very proud of our penalty kill tonight. I think we had some big moments that we had to kill. They kept us in the game" said Haley.

Nipissing has had their own set of special teams struggles, failing to score on five power plays in their last two games despite putting up 10 goals. The Rams will look to contain senior Lakers forward Maria Domenico, who has put up six goals and two assists in just four games, including a hat-trick.

While the Lakers are surging, they are coming off a bye week and haven't hit the ice since November 14th. The Rams have also had the upper hand in recent contests, with their last loss to Nipissing reaching back to the 2017-18 season.

"Our penalty kill and the determination of our group is still there and we'll bounce back from (last week). There's no doubt we'll be ready for Wednesday," added Haley.

The puck drops in North Bay on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and can be streamed on OUA.tv. On Saturday, the Lakers visit Mattamy Home Ice for the Rams' final home game of the calendar year, with puck drop at 4:00 p.m.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#2 Lauren Nicholson: F; 5' 9"; 5

#6 Avery Horlock: F; 5' 9"; 3

#9 Brooklyn Gemmill: F; 5' 4"; 4

#12 Olivia Giardetti: F; 5' 4"; 4

#16 Savannah Bouzide: F; 5' 5"; 5

#18 Mia Morano: F; 5' 4"; 2

#34 Rachel Seeley: G; 5' 8"; 5

Players Mentioned

#2 Lauren Nicholson
: 5' 9"; 5
: F

#6 Avery Horlock
: 5' 9"; 3
: F

#9 Brooklyn Gemmill
: 5' 4"; 4
: F

#12 Olivia Giardetti
: 5' 4"; 4
: F

#16 Savannah Bouzide
: 5' 5"; 5
: F

#18 Mia Morano
: 5' 4"; 2
: F

#34 Rachel Seeley
: 5' 8"; 5
: G