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Armstrong, Lynx take down Fusion in Culver Cup action

By Chris Anderson, Metro Lynx coach, 12/29/19, 7:30PM CST

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Freshman stops 36 pucks in second career start in 3-1 win

The Metro Lynx played a tenacious Fusion team in the second round of the Culver Cup. The pace in the first period was fast leading to scoring chances by both teams. However, both goaltenders would stand tall and not give any ground. Lynx goaltender Addie Armstrong and Fusion goalie Sydney Seeley both made 13 saves in the first period keeping the score at 0-0.

The second period was similar to the first in each team trading rushes to the net. It was the Lynx forward Sydney Raaths that struck first about 3 minutes into the second. Raaths corralled a loose puck along the wall and curled to the middle letting go a shot that was deflected by a Fusion defender changing its velocity and angle, helping the puck find its way past Seeley.

The Lynx would strike again quickly. On a shift change, Lynx forwards Claire Wischhoff and Ava Jambor pressured a Fusion defender just inside the offensive blue line causing a turnover. In a race for the loose puck, Jambor was able to get a stick on it first poking it past Seeley to make it 2-0.

The Fusion would have their chances. Abbie DeLong, Amber DeLong and the Fusion made multiple rush attempts but could not find a way to get a puck past a stubborn Armstrong. The second period ended with the Lynx up 2-0.

Early in the third period, the Lynx would find themselves shorthanded. Lynx defenseman Grace Bonnell would get a pass from Jenna Culp in their defensive zone and start a rush up ice. Bonnell raced through the neutral zone, beat a Fusion defender just inside the blue line to go in on a breakaway. After faking left and pulling the puck back to the right, she was able to slide the puck past Seeley to make it 3-0.

The Fusion would not give up. They continued to work hard and were finally rewarded half way through the third on the power play. Amber Delong picked up the puck and streaked down the wall racing past Lynx defenders. As she drove the net hard along the goal line, she was able to go far side high making it 3-1. However, that would be the only goal Armstrong would give up making 12 saves in the third.

Lynx Coach Mike McKersie had this to say about the game: “We were on today. This was one of our best all around efforts as a team. We played really well in the defensive zone limiting quality scoring chances and when we did give up opportunities, Addie stepped up. The Fusion are a very dangerous team with tremendous speed. Our forwards and defense had to work very hard to try and keep them to the outside.”

The Lynx will face off against Wisconsin Valley Union in the Championship Sunday, 2:45pm at Madison Ice Arena.

WiPH Game Summaries