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WHKY: Erika Crouse vs. Ontario Tech, Mar. 5, 2022
Photo by Jojo Qian
1
Ontario Tech ONT
2
Winner Ryerson RYE
Ontario Tech ONT
1
Final
2
Ryerson RYE
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 0 F
Ontario Tech ONT 0 0 1 1
Ryerson RYE 0 1 1 2

Game Recap: Hockey (W) | | Joe Mastromatteo

Rams deliver Senior Night win and clinch third seed in OUA East

TORONTO - In front of home fans and family, the Rams women's hockey team earned a 2-1 win over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, punching their ticket to the OUA playoffs next week. 

The Rams' starting lineup was comprised completely of graduating seniors as they hit the ice hard after a pre-game ceremony. Lauren Nicholson, Rachel Seeley, Keelin Farren, Natalie Thompson, Julie Patricio, Jamie Watson, Avery Horlock, and Savannah Bouzide were the eight graduating Rams honoured. 

Patricio assisted on both goals as Bouzide opened the scoring while Erika Crouse netted her second of the season for the game-winner. 

"I think everyone puts in their all to create this special night for the seniors, and for everyone, and that keeps us really connected. I think that's what helped us over the hump today," commented Patricio post-game. 

Head coach Lisa Haley spent an extended amount of time in the locker room post-game. As soon as she emerged, she spoke about the contribution of her squad's seniors. 

"I feel like this program turned the corner about four years ago, maybe five. That group is a big part of what's gotten us there," said the coach. 

"The culture, the leadership that they bring, and just doing things the right way - it's made a big difference in a really tough year," she added. 

After an onslaught of Rams shots to start the game, Ontario Tech had a goal called back in the second period for too many skaters.

The scoreless tie lasted until late in the frame when Patricio threw a low shot on net, prompting a neat redirect from Bouzide in front. The puck squeaked in, and the Rams were awarded a well-deserved 1-0 lead. 
 
"We've got too many talented players to think that we're not going to (score). I'm really happy with the challenge that was in front of us the last few days," added Haley, as the Rams outshot the Ridgebacks 37-23. 

In the third, Lauren Beaulieu knotted it up, as the Rams have now let in power play goals against for three games in a row. 

"We've had a bit of a slip (on the penalty kill) for whatever reason. Our penalty kill has (usually) been the strength of our special teams," said Haley, although she mentioned how proud she was of her defenders, which killed off six other penalties. 

The 1-1 tie didn't last long as Crouse struck moments later. Brooklyn Gemmill intercepted the puck in the slot before Crouse shoveled it in to restore the lead. 

With under five minutes to go, a loose puck was teed up for the Ridgebacks alone in the slot. However, the veteran Seeley was up to the task and gloved the ensuing shot with ease. The 2-1 lead lasted until the final whistle, prompting plenty of celebration from the blue and gold. 

The Rams will get a week-long rest before taking on the Nipissing Lakers next Saturday, March 12th. As the third seed, they bypass the play-in round, advancing directly to the second round of the playoffs.

Until then, the Rams will celebrate their seniors and prepare for their upcoming playoff matchup. 

Patricio gladly spoke more about the team's senior night celebration before leaving.

"We all got together before we came to the rink, which is nice. It's a tradition that we do," she said. 

"The moment just felt surreal," she continued. "I've been here for a while, but sometimes it feels like I'm not ready to leave. But this moment was really special. And being able to walk in with the seniors was beyond anything I could have ever asked for."
 
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