Taylor Gillis nets shorthanded goal in 1-0 win over Moncton

By Thomas Becker

One goal was all the UPEI Panthers needed Wednesday night, as they took down the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues for the second time this season. 

In a game filled with strong defensive play, it was no surprise that the winning goal was set up in the defensive zone. After both teams held each other scoreless for two periods, UPEI's Taylor Gillis (Summerside, PE) delivered the final blow midway through the third.

"We always play a tight game against Moncton. They're one of our biggest rivals, so it feels pretty good to get two points," said Gillis, who was named the Subway Player of the Game.

The fourth-year forward intercepted a pass in her own zone and slid the puck through a defender's legs before tucking away a nifty backhand for the shorthanded goal.

"I just saw a lot of open ice and there was just one defender to beat, so I tried a move and ended up getting around her." 

Panther goaltender Shaylin McFarlane (Miramichi, NB) was solid throughout the game, but it was in the third period where she closed the deal. McFarlane stopped 10 of the 19 shots she faced in the decisive period and did a lot of her heavy lifting on the penalty kill. 

UPEI head coach Sean Fisher was quick to recognize his goaltender's shutout performance after the game. 

"It was a masterclass. Shay was very, very sharp when she needed to be," Fisher said. "She was a difference-maker in there tonight that's for sure."

Moncton goaltender Annick Boudreau (Memramcook, NB) finished with 23 saves and did her part to keep the team in the game, but her teammates struggled to generate scoring opportunities, as they fell to 0-3-0 on the season.

The Panthers (2-1-0) welcome the St. FX X-Women next for a Saturday night tilt, while the Aigles Bleues return home for a game against the Dalhousie Tigers.

Photo Credit: Janessa Hogan