This is the Inferno’s fourth annual Do it for Daron ‘Start the Spark’ game, which raises awareness of youth mental health issues in partnership with the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre. The Inferno wore purple jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, along with a purple goalie mask which is already up for auction on ebay.
As is usual for a roadtrip, the Furies are missing a few players — Julie Allen, Carlee Campbell and Shannon Moulson-Nap are missing from the lineup, along with the injured Anissa Gamble. Emily Fulton is also out, not clear whether she’s back on the injury list or if it’s just a weekend off for her. Head coach Courtney Kessel is still in Japan with Canada’s U-18 team.
One addition to the lineup is Jordan Hampton, finally back after her wrist injury early in the season against Worcester. Sydney Kidd and Jenna Dingeldein are both still up from the reserve list.
The Furies tweeted out and then promptly deleted a starting lineup that was a little different than who actually got out on the ice. Shea Tiley gets the nod in net, with Renata Fast and Emma Greco starting on defence as they did last weekend. The forwards are Brittany Howard, Shiann Darkangelo and Carolyne Prévost.
Calgary countered with Annie Bélanger in net (and Lindsey Post backing up, no word on Rigsby), Brigette Lacquette and Halli Krzyzaniak on the blueline and Blayre Turnbull, Rebecca Johnston and Zoe Hickel up front.
This game was streamed, so I was planning to do a more comprehensive recap, but there were technical difficulties after the first few minutes that made following the play closely impossible.
First period
Less than three minutes into the game the Furies get their first power play when Natalie Spooner draws a holding call on Katelyn Gosling.
Four minutes after Gosling gets out of the box, Erica Kromm goes in, also for holding, because that is the fun new trend, apparently. Toronto still can’t score, and as that’s expiring, they’re called for too many players and Brittany Howard sits. There’s a short 4 on 4 before Calgary goes on the power play.
About a minute back into even strength play Calgary scores first, Brianne Jenner from Brigette Lacquette.
Jenner’s called for bodychecking a few minutes later, giving Toronto another power play. Halli Krzyzaniak manages a shorthanded attempt but neither she nor the Furies score.
Calgary outshot Toronto 14 to 4 in the first despite the three Furies power plays.
Second period
The Furies get another early power play, this time a too many players call on the Inferno, served by Kelty Apperson. The Toronto power play continues to be unsuccessful. They seemed to have something going for a while there, nine of Nurse’s 19 points have come on the advantage this season, but it’s just not working right now.
About five minutes after Apperson gets out of the box, she makes it 2-0 Calgary, assisted by Lacquette and Jenner.
Sarah Nurse sits for slashing with less than two minutes left in the period, but it’s enough time for the Inferno power play to capitalize. Kacey Bellamy scores less than a minute in, assisted by Turnbull and Hickel, 3-0.
Shots were 22 to 6 in favour of Calgary for the period and I’m going to go out on a limb and say that’s a bad thing.
Third period
The Inferno think Dakota Woodworth scored a fourth goal early on but it’s called off due to a high stick.
One player that Tiley seems to have the number of tonight is Venla Hovi, she’s stopped a few great chances throughout the game to keep her off the scoresheet.
Gosling tips a puck high over Tiley’s blocker with less than five minutes left to make it 4-0.
Renata Fast breaks the shutout with just under three minutes to go, going top shelf on Bélanger, 4-1.
Total shots on goal for this game were 54 - 20 in favour of the Inferno. Which means that Tiley stopped 50 shots and the Furies still lost.
Three stars
3. Kacey Bellamy, Calgary Inferno (1 goal, 1 assist)
2. Shea Tiley, Toronto Furies (50 saves)
1. Brianne Jenner, Calgary Inferno (1 goal, 1 assist)
Notes
Mediajunkie was actually at this game so she had a few notes. She said the wi-fi in the rink was terrible, and I’ve got to wonder if that played any part in the quality of the stream.
- Toronto’s defense is lacking, they can’t clear the puck for their goalie.
- In the third period, the Furies were playing like they’d given up, which was too bad because the Inferno eased off a little and started the period with their third line.
- Natalie Spooner was visibly frustrated in the third.
- The Furies also had travel difficulties and got in to Calgary about two hours before warm-ups after being up very early for their original flight./
Toronto goes for revenge tomorrow at 2:00 pm Eastern. It’s been confirmed that there will be no streaming, but Annie will still have a recap for you!
