Jennifer Gardiner broke a 1-1 deadlock at 13:16 of the third period, leading Canada to a 3-1 victory over the United States in the decisive Game 5 of the 2024-25 Rivalry Series on Saturday at Credit Union Place in Summerside, P.E.I.
Brianne Jenner opened the scoring for Canada at 6:48 of the second period, but Kelly Pannek responded for the U.S. at 3:03 of the third, setting the stage for Gardiner’s game-winner. Laura Stacey sealed the victory with an insurance goal at 1:19 remaining.
Danielle Serdachny contributed assists on Canada’s first two goals, while goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer delivered a stellar performance, stopping 28 of 29 shots. U.S. netminder Aerin Frankel faced a barrage of 43 shots, turning away 40.
“It was a good game overall. I thought we played well and outplayed them,” said Canada’s head coach Troy Ryan. “It would have been nice to score a couple of goals early, so it took us a while to get going.”
Gardiner, hailing from Surrey, B.C., expressed her excitement over the decisive moment. “It is pretty incredible. Just to put the jersey on is a huge honour, but to get on the scoreboard just felt like one of the most incredible feelings. I couldn’t even explain it really — it felt like I blacked out for a second.”
Canada’s triumph secured its third consecutive Rivalry Series title, marking another chapter in the storied competition between the two powerhouse hockey nations.
Source: Swifteradio.com
