OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT women's hockey team was hoping to shake off some of their post-holiday blues in an exhibition game against the first place Queen's Gaels on Tuesday. The Ridgebacks fought hard but unfortunately the score line did not finish in their favour as the Gaels proved to be bigger and stronger with a 2-0 shutout.
 
It was a rough 60 minutes of play, with both teams looking very focused coming into the new year. The Ridgebacks defensive core did a good job at stepping up and taking away the neutral zone, although the Gaels eventually found a way around them. Queen's opened the scoring on a power play when winger, Addi Halladay, made a pass from the corner out to Kaylie Dennis, who buried the puck top shelf.
 
Queen's would strike again early into the second period when a bouncing puck from Hailey Wilson found the back of the net to give them the two-goal lead.
 
The Ridgebacks showed some life in the third period, putting a lot of pressure in the offensive zone, but the Gaels goaltending stood strong in net. Queen's goaltending was shared by all three of their goalies on the roster as they combined to make a total of 28 saves for the shutout. UOIT's Celine Tessier (Chapleau, Ont.) and Brooke Vial (Port Moody, B.C.) shared time in net and made a total of 34 saves.
 
The Ridgebacks will now get set to go on a long road trip, facing the Nipissing Lakers on Saturday, Jan. 6 and the Laurentian Voyageurs the following day. UOIT is tied with Laurentian for ninth place in the OUA standings, two points out of a playoff position.
 
Their next home game the following weekend on Saturday, Jan. 13 when they will take on the second place Brock Badgers.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 5-13-1
Conference Record: 5-6-1
 
Next Game: Jan. 6 @ Nipissing (4:30 PM)