Thunderbirds claim bronze in Sunday afternoon nailbiter

MONTREAL, QC. (U SPORTS) - Ireland Perott was the hero for UBC, scoring the game-winner with three minutes to go and leading the No. 2-seeded Thunderbirds to a 3-2 win over the No. 5 Montréal Carabins in the bronze medal game of the 2023 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship at CEPSUM in Montréal on Sunday.

The Thunderbirds wasted no time taking the home crowd out of the game early on, as Annalise Wong capitalized on a powerplay opportunity three minutes in to give UBC a 1-0 lead. Montreal's offensive struggles from Saturday afternoon carried over to Sunday as the Carabins found themselves down by a goal at the intermission.

UBC's penalty issues carried over into the bronze medal game, but despite taking four in the first two periods, managed to hold Montréal to just 11 shots on goal. Mackenzie Kordic had a great solo effort at the eight-minute mark to double the Thunderbirds' lead and give her team a 2-0 advantage after 40 minutes.

The Carabins answered the bell in the third period, with Justine Pelletier pulling the hosts within one and captain Jessika Boulanger tying the game just over three minutes later. In a game that looked eerily close to Saturday's semifinal, Montréal conceded a Thunderbirds goal at the hands of Ireland Perott with three minutes left. Montréal saw a few more opportunities in the third, but ultimately UBC walked away with a 3-2 victory.

Kate Stuart earned the win in her first action of the tournament for UBC, making 20 saves on 22 shots. Aube Racine stopped 10 of 13 shots for the Carabins.

The Canada West champions UBC Thunderbirds close out the tournament with a bronze medal, while the hosting Montréal Carabins finish fourth. All games at the championship can be seen on CBC Sports digital platforms (English) and at usports.ca (French).

Nike Team Players of the Game:

• UBC: Kate Stuart
• Montréal: Justine Pelletier