Photo by Marc Lafleur
MONTREAL – The Ravens dropped a close one on Thursday night as the McGill Martlets took home the win by the score of 4-2, handing the Ravens their sixth loss on the season. “We’re improving,” said Ravens Head Coach Pierre Alain. “Last time, (McGill) really made us look bad but this time we battled with them. 4-2 for us against them is an improvement.”
The Ravens came out of the gate slow and went down 1-0 after conceding an early power play goal. Following the goal, the Ravens pushed for some high-quality opportunities, but a penalty and then another Martlet power play goal gave McGill the 2-0 advantage. “Our PK did not do a good job at all on those two goals,” said Alain. “We were flat-footed, didn’t block any shots, they just kept it simple and we didn’t do a good job.” While there were strong signs from the Ravens in the first, they went into the dressing room trailing by two.
The Ravens pressed hard to try and get back into it in the second, but McGill was able to extend their lead early. Jade Downie-Landry made it 3-0, quelling a lot of Ravens momentum. The Ravens would respond just minutes later though as Nicole Hunter (Pickering, Ont.) made it a 3-1 game. The Ravens were given a two-minute five-on-three power play opportunity a little over midway through the second but were unable to capitalize despite some extensive offensive zone time.
The Ravens continued to push in the third, generating a good amount in the offensive zone. Sydney Berta (Geneva, SWI.) and Hayden Serniuk (Burlington, Ont.) were at the centre of things for the Ravens with Serniuk making her return to action after missing the previous three games. “She’s a spark,” said Alain on Serniuk. “She brings energy to the table; she works so hard. We’re better when she’s in the lineup.”
The Martlets however, added to their lead on a shorthanded goal, making it 4-1. On that same power play, Stephanie Chouchani (Montreal, Que.) was able to get it right back for the Ravens to make it 4-2, but it was too little too late as McGill held on for the 4-2 victory. Alain spoke about the need for his team to clean up their game overall. “We need to minimize the mistakes,” said Alain. “The blind passes, turnovers, especially close to our blue line and close to their blue line. If we do that then we’re going to be in good shape.”
The loss drops the Ravens to 3-6 on the season, and hands them their second consecutive loss. They will look to bounce back as they complete this tough three-game road trip against the Concordia Stingers on Sunday night.
The Ravens return home for one more game in 2021 when they host the Carleton Ravens Annual Teddy Bear Toss on Friday, December 3 at 7:00p.m. Fans are invited to bring new unwrapped toys and teddy bears for donation. Join us in tossing your teddy bears onto the ice following the Ravens first goal, or at the end of the second period. Tickets for the Annual Teddy Bear Toss are on sale now!
