Gryphons down Varsity Blues and it’s off to the semis

Written by Justin Dunk

The Guelph Gryphon women’s hockey team showed a complete team effort to end the season for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues this past Saturday.
“It comes down to a team thing,” said fourth-year forward Dayna Kanis. “We’re one unit. If someone scores, we score as a team. If a goal gets let in, then it’s also the team’s goal.”
The Gryphons came out flying in the first period, carrying the pace of play with the majority of the period played in the Blues end of the ice. The Gryphons had plenty of scoring chances in the opening frame, but were only able to put one goal past second-year Blues goaltender, Kendyl Valenta.

The goal came on a slap shot from the point by third-year defenceman Jacalyn Sollis.
“I just got my shot through low, and it was a nice pass from Tayne (Hewer) in the corner,” said Sollis.
Valenta was the only reason why the Gryphons only scored but one goal in the first period. She turned away Gryphon scoring chances left and right, sending both teams to the intermission separated by just a goal.
The Gryphons started the second period quite slowly. They were called for two quick penalties, putting the Varsity Blues on a two-man advantage.
The Gryphons were able to kill off the two-man advantage without any damage, seemingly energizing the team as they responded by increasing their own level of pressure.
“After killing that five-on-three at the start of the second period, we knew we had them,” said goaltender Danielle Skoufranis.
Despite the pressure, Valenta would not back down. She did not allow the Gryphons to capitalize on any chances, keeping the score at 1-0 in favour of the Gryphons after two periods of play.
In the final frame, the Gryphons continued to pepper the Blues goalie with countless shots. Valenta was up to the task, time and time again, stopping 35 of 36 Gryphon shots in the game.
The Gryphons found themselves in a little trouble late in the third, taking two consecutive penalties in the final seven minutes. Despite the troubles, the Gryphons managed to maintain their lead, preserving a 1-0 shutout win over the bewildered Blues.
Not to be outdone by her Varsity Blues counterpart, Skoufranis made some key stops throughout the game to prevent the Varsity Blues from getting on the scoreboard. It was the first playoff game for Skoufranis, yet she didn’t show any nerves, playing with great poise between the pipes.
“I’m just excited to win,” said Skoufranis after her shutout performance. “My defence played well in front of me so I didn’t have very many hard shots to face.”
The Gryphons have incredible confidence in their rookie net-minder. Skoufranis turned away all 18 shots she faced from the Varsity Blues.
“She has worked her butt off all year, and as a team, we feel really confident in her to make those key saves for us,” said Kanis of Skoufranis. “She is only going to get better.”
The Gryphons will now face the Queen’s Gaels in a best-of-three series in the OUA semi-final round, with the series beginning on Feb. 25 in Kingston.
Kanis discussed facing the Gaels in the next round.
“If we have to go through Queen’s first, to get to Laurier, that’s fine. Were just going bring it.”

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