WHKY | Collins' Shutout Clinches Second Consecutive Playoff Birth for Voyageurs
February 18, 2017
On Saturday afternoon, the Laurentian Voyageurs, lead by an incredible performance from Karen Collins, clinched a birth in the post season with a 3-0 shutout over the York Lions.
The Vees began the game somewhat timid and weren't able to get themselves on the scoresheet. The first frame ended tied at 0 while Karen Collins made 8 saves.
It took only 31 seconds for the Vees to crack the game open, as Kennedy Lanktree used her blazing speed to find herself in alone on Lauren Dubie and roofed a backhand into the top corner, giving the Vees a 1-0 lead. Lanktree's goal was the only one of the period, and Collins made another 8 saves giving her 16 through 40 minutes.
In the third, Morgan McCann scored her team leading 12th goal of the season to double the Voyageurs lead. McCann's goal at 7:29 was assisted by Kennedy Lanktree and Taylor Weber.
Just three minutes later, McCauley Carr found herself in alone on Dubie and went bar-down with a backhand, all but sealing the deal for the Vees.
Collins remained perfect, making another 8 saves for a grand total of 24 and another shutout on the season. Her stellar performance locked up the seventh seed, securing a first round playoff matchup against their northern rival Nipissing Lakers.
Head coach Stacey Colarossi said "we're excited to be in the playoffs. I'm looking forward to seeing how this group plays in the post season. We've had some heated battles against Nipissing this season. It's going to be fun."
The first round kicks off on Wednesday at Nipissing.