Jason Hills
For MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON — It was a mission accomplished for the MacEwan Griffins.
For the first time this season, the Griffins won back-to-back games after a 3-0 shutout over the Regina Cougars on Saturday night at the Downtown Community Arena.
Claire Hobbs, Jayme Doyle and Aryn Chambers scored for MacEwan, while Brianna Sank made 19 saves for her first shutout of the season, and second of her Canada West career.
"Overall we came away with two wins and scored some goals, and that was our big focus this week." said Griffins interim head coach Chris Leeming.
"We just had to stay focused on the process. There were highs and lows and adversity presented to us, but the girls really responded well."
It was a scoreless first period, but Sank was certainly busy for the Griffins as she made nine first period saves as MacEwan were outshot 9-4.
But after a bit of a slow start, the Griffins picked up their play in the final 40 minutes.
The blasted 13 shots in the second period, and Hobbs gave MacEwan a 1-0 lead at the 6:50 mark.
Claire Hobbs opens the scoring for the Griffins in the second period (Joel Kingston photo).
It was Hobbs' third goal of the season, and second in as many games.
"It's nice to see her (Hobbs) score in back-to-back games. She's gotten better every day, and she's always putting in the work, so it's nice for her to get rewarded," said Leeming.
MacEwan didn't let up, they continued to push for more offence and they scored two goals just 2:44 apart to put the game out of reach.
The Cougars had a hard time staying out of the penalty box, giving the Griffins nine power play opportunities, and after taking three straight penalties 4:36 apart midway through the third period, the Griffins made them pay, as the goal from Chambers came on the power play.
"Our power play has struggled this year, so it was nice to get one on the power play to put the game away," said Leeming.
"Down the last stretch of games, we've found ways to create more (offensive) opportunities for ourselves. It's a result of second effort and sticking to the game plan and they've been rewarded for it."
W��| FINAL
— MacEwan Griffins (@MacEwanGriffins) January 15, 2023
For good measure, Aryn Chambers scores to seal the deal for @MacEwanHockey, who win 3-0 over @ReginaCougars. Brianna Sank has a 19-save shutout!@CanadaWest recap coming soon.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/WTGzJhBAY6
With MacEwan taking control of the game in the second period, Sank wasn't overly busy over the final two periods, facing just 10 shots, but she had another strong effort between the pipes for the Griffins.
"We were playing a bit tentative at the start, but once we found the flow of the game, we started to dictate the game," said Leeming.
"She made some big saves to keep us in the game, and was rewarded with a shutout tonight.
"It was another team effort again tonight."
The Griffins made up some ground on the Trinity Western Spartans for the final playoff spot. They now sit 10 points back of the Spartans for the final playoff spot (with two games in hand) and will face Trinity Western on the road next weekend.
"This win puts us a little closer and within striking distance to get. a playoff spot, but we have to keep focused on us and what we can control," said Leeming.
"We split with Trinity Western earlier this year, and we know we're capable of competing with them, but we have to make sure our focus stays on how we play in or for us to continue to have success."