Before detailing the hockey game between the visiting Minnesota Whitecaps and the Connecticut Whale, I would like to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of American soccer journalist Grant Wahl, who was covering the games at the World Cup in Qatar.
For the first time this season, the Minnesota Whitecaps and Connecticut Whale squared off against each other. The last time these two teams met was in the semi-final playoff game which saw the Whale prevail by a score of 4-2. Here is how the two teams would line up:
Also worth noting that the Whale debut a new jersey for their home opener, it is called the Dark Seas jersey.
In the first period, it was the home Whale team who would strike first and get on the scoreboard. The goal coming via the power play by Kennedy Marchment, her third goal of the season. A beautiful pass from the left side by Katerina Mrazova to the backdoor found Marchment hanging on the right side and a wide open net to deposit the puck. The Whale would take a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
There was no scoring in the second period, but the run of play would favor the Connecticut Whale, as they dominated the shot department by a tally of 18-5. Amanda Leveille would keep the score close and the Whitecaps in the game.
In the third period, the Whale would double their lead. A 3 on 2 offensive rush would see Taylor Girard carry the puck up the left side, lay off a drop pass that found Kennedy Marchment coming up the middle. Marchment would freeze the goalie and slide a pass to Alyssa Wohlfeiler, who was on her right side, and would have a wide open net to shoot at. It would be Wohlfeiler’s second goal of the season, and Marchment’s second point of the game.
The Whale would see out the 2-0 victory, earning Abbie Ives her first professional shutout. It would also be the second win in a row for Connecticut.
Amanda Leveille of the Minnesota Whitecaps faced 43 shots, making 41 saves; while Abbie Ives of the Connecticut Whale would stop all 24 shots she faced, earning the shutout.
Next Game:
These two teams will square off again tomorrow at 2p.
TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.
The Xperience Hockey Talk 
One thought on “Ives Earns First Professional Shutout”