NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM DROPS 6-1 DECISION TO MIDGET AAA NORTHSTARS

Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC) scored midway through the second period to tie the game 1-1, but the Calgary Midget AAA Northstars took control after that, scoring five unanswered goals, four coming in the final period, on their way to a 6-1 win over Canada’s National Women’s Team on Tuesday night in Calgary.

Kingsbury deflected a shot from defenceman Gillian Ferrari (Thornhill, ON) past Northstars goaltender David Donaleshen, squaring the game at a goal apiece. Canadian captain Hayley Wickenheiser (Shaunavon, SK) also picked up an assist on Kingsbury’s goal.

Following a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Northstars captain Colin Bergman opened the scoring 3:41 into the middle frame, beating Canadian goaltender Sami Jo Small (Winnipeg, MB).

Brad Ryan restored the Northstars’ lead three-and-a-half minutes after Kingsbury’s equalizer, scoring just five seconds into a powerplay with Canada’s Kelly Béchard (Sedley, SK) off for hooking.

Leading 2-1 after 40 minutes, the Northstars exploded in the final period, putting four pucks past Small to blow open a close game.

Ryan and Bergman both scored their second of the game, with Kent Fox and Daniel Iwanski joining them on the scoresheet.

Iwanski finished with a goal and two assists, while Matt Register and Ashton Reinboldt added two helpers apiece.

The Northstars outshot the Canadians 24-11, including 11-3 in the third period.

Canada’s National Women’s Team takes to the ice for their final game of the evaluation camp on Thursday night, when they face the Midget AAA Flames. Face-off is set for 7:30 p.m. MT at Father David Bauer Arena.