Courtesy Vermont Sports Information
BURLINGTON, Vt. – Four different New Hampshire skaters scored Friday night as the Wildcats defeated Vermont 4-0 in Hockey East action from Gutterson Fieldhouse.
In her third straight start Vermont’s Molly Depew made eight saves in a scoreless first period. The Catamounts Cassidy Campeau had the best chance of the opening frame as she one-timed a pass from Amanda Drobot off the post on a two-on-one rush. New Hampshire’s Vilma Vaattovaara made five first period saves.
The Wildcats opened the scoring 11:35 into the second period with a Kaylee Forster shot from the point. Forster received a pass from Cassandra Vilgrain and fired a slap shot through traffic and past Depew for her first career goal.
New Hampshire stretched its lead to two with a second tally a little over three minutes later in the second period. Julia Fedeski fired a point shot that was blocked by Depew, but Margo Lund gathered the rebound and fired it back towards the net where Depew made the initial save. Carlee Toews was alone in front and she tapped in the rebound for her first career goal with 5:17 left in the second. Lund and Haley Breedlove were credited with assists on the goal.
The Wildcats added two insurance markers in the third period 39 seconds apart. Sara Carlson scored her second of the season at the 12:48 mark of the third period and Devan Taylor scored her first career goal with 6:33 left in the third. Following the Wildcats fourth goal the Catamounts switched goalies, Depew finished the night with 23 saves, Madison Litchfield made five saves in relief.
Vaattovaara finished the night with 18 saves as she picked up her first win of the season and her fourth career shutout.
“Another tough night for us,” said head coach Jim Plumer. We struggle to regain our composure when we make a mistake and it continues to give the other team momentum. We’ve got to find a way to get off to a good start and maintain consistency.”
The Catamounts return to action on Sunday afternoon as they host Maine in a Hockey East contest at 2 p.m. Sunday is Poster Day presented by the UPS Store Downtown, following the game the team will autograph the posters in the main lobby of Gutterson Fieldhouse.
NOTES: The Catamounts killed off four New Hampshire power play opportunities … They have successfully killed off 14 straight dating back to October 10 at Clarkson … Taylor Willard blocked a team-high three shots … Dayna Colang won 10 of the 14 faceoffs she took.