We had just two games this weekend, with the Sydney Sirens vs Melbourne Ice played at Macquarie Ice Rink in Sydney.
The Results
The Sirens defeated Melbourne Ice, securing TWO comeback wins in their opening home games.
Saturday, the final score was 5-1, and Sunday 6-3.
How did it happen?
Melbourne Ice came out fast in both games, scoring the first goal in period one, but penalties became a liability. Danielle Butler secured two goals across the weekend, with one each for Emily Davis-Tope and Christina Julien.
On Saturday, they held the Sirens scoreless until the last 36 seconds of the period, and on Sunday, they went to the first intermission with a three-goal lead.
Coming back from behind in both games, the Sirens scored five unanswered goals on Saturday and six on Sunday to take the two wins.
Of their 11 goals, the Sirens secured five powerplay goals, one shorthanded, one empty net, and four full-strength. Capitalising on Melbourne’s mistakes and fighting to come back from behind was an impressive showing by the Sirens.
Shots on Goal
The Sirens duo of Ella Licari and Nayoka Wellard stood tall across the weekend, being outshot by Melbourne in both games and taking the wins on both days.
Wellard made 30 saves and Licari 38, helping their team secure two wins in spite of the sirens getting fewer shots at the other end of the ice.
Lightning the Lamp
Five players made up the goal scorers for the weekend for Sydney, with Captain Sarah Edney netting 4 of the 11. Linda Bjorling has 3, Kath McOnie has 2, Kelsie Lang and Steph Newmark each get 1, and all contribute with assistance on each other’s goals.
Edney has a strong showing in each game and, after the weekend, is at the top of the scoring leaders.
Women can do Anything!
Bjorling and McOnie stand out as two returning veteran players with seasons of experience behind them. Back from having kids and growing their families, they have come roaring back with multiple goals each over the weekend.
Bjorling got what the Sirens PA announcer dubbed “the grand slam” – securing a goal, power play goal, short handed goal, Assists and a Penalty.
What’s next?
On the 23rd and 24th of November, Brisbane Lightning will host Adelaide Rush at Boondall IceWorld.
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