Special Teams Shine vs. Cushing

The Wildcats traveled to Cushing Academy for the annual Edward G. Watkins Holiday Tournament. The first of four games was against the Cushing Penguins. Blanka Skodova ’18 earned her second straight start in net for the Wildcats.

Just 20 seconds into the game VA took their first penalty, however that did not phase the Wildcats. Chloe Aurard ’18 won the defensive zone faceoff back to Lotti Odnoga ’18, who flipped the puck into the neutral zone that Aurard skated onto and deked the Cushing goalie for her first of the game. Just four minutes later Krystina Kaltounkova ’20 picked off a pass in the offensive zone and went in to score her first of the game. Cushing responded shortly making it a 2-1 game. VA kept up the intensity and determination scoring three more goals to finish out the first period.

Vermont’s special teams shined in the second period with goals coming off of the power play and penalty kill. Aurard scored on the power play within the first minute of the period off of a feed from Jaz Creamer ’21 and Kaltounkova. Towards the end of the period, Odnoga scored the second shorthanded goal of the night, to bring the score to 7-1 heading into the third.

The third period was filled with end to end play, with both teams creating quality scoring opportunities. Cushing was able to capitalize five minutes into the period; however, Vermont did not give up. Kaltounkova scored her fourth of the game in the last seconds on the power play.

Skodova finished the game with 28 saves. Five Vermont players finished the game with at least two points: Aurard had three goals, Kaltounkova four goals and one assist, Odnoga one goal and two assists, Maddie Paydos ’18 two assists, Creamer two assists, and Klara Jaundiskova ’20 three assists.

The Wildcats will face off against the Berkshire Bears Friday 12/15 at 8:00 am, and the Winchendon Wapiti at 3:20 pm. Both games are part of the Edwards G. Watkins Holiday Tournament.