Stingers Shutout by Les Canadiennes at Home

Les Canadiennes Prove Too Much for Concordia in Exhibition Contest

SportsJordan Stoopler — Published October 2, 2016

“We still need to get better and work on a lot of things,” said Canadiennes veteran Caroline Ouellette. “We have a lot of young players and haven’t developed the chemistry yet like we had last year. Our new players are fitting in quite well. We just have to keep working and getting better.”

It was a complete effort by the visiting side, on both ends of the ice. The team spent much of the game buzzing around the offensive zone and was able to limit the amount of quality scoring chances against thanks to sound defending. Despite their dominant performance, les Canadiennes felt they could still improve their overall game.

“There is constant place for improvement,” said forward Ann-Sophie Bettez. “Each game we have gotten better. Hopefully, when the season starts, we are going to be where we need to be.”

It was Bettez who opened the scoring for les Canadiennes early in the first period. She pounced on a loose puck in the slot, beating Stingers keeper Katherine Purchase in the process. She would later add another highlight-reel goal, roofing a beautiful pass by linemate Kim Deschênes.

The match-up was pretty special for members of the Concordia Stingers coaching staff, as the majority of the coaches are Canadiennes players as well. While head coach Julie Chu and one of her assistants, Lauriane Rougeau stayed behind the Stingers bench, assistant coaches Karell Emard and Ouellette suited up against the Stingers. For Ouellette, it was a good opportunity to see how her players are progressing from up close.

“I was watching for who was standing out and for things we still need to work on,” said Ouellette. “There was a lot of good energy. Every time they made a good play, the bench was loud and they were taking a lot. There is a lot to build on.”

The game was also noteworthy for Alyssa Sherrard and Emilie Bocchia of Les Canadiennes as both played for the Stingers during their university years. Bocchia seized the moment to score a goal of her own on the night. She took advantage of a Stingers turnover late in the second period to bury a rebound attempt just outside the blue paint.

“I’ve scored in this rink before but to score as a Canadiennes here at Concordia is really great,” said Bocchia.

Bocchia spent four quality years with the Stingers from 2009 through 2013, collecting 45 points in 80 total contests. During her stint with Concordia, she earned rookie of the year honors in 2010 and was named MVP of her team in her final season.

While only having previously played with one current member of the Stingers, Bocchia nevertheless recognized the special significance of the game. She found herself reflecting on good memories and past teammates as she skated around the ice, she said.

Les Canadiennes also got goals from rookie defender Cassandra Poudrier and forward Jordana Peroff before the final horn sounded. Charline Labonté was perfect in goal for the winning side.

Both teams will battle Quebec’s finest young talent this weekend as they wrap up their respective exhibition schedule. The Stingers will face the province’s under-18 squad Saturday afternoon at noon, while Les Canadiennes will face off against the youngsters on Sunday afternoon.

Les Canadiennes will have one more pre-season contest on Thursday against the Université de Montréal Carabins before beginning their season on Oct 15 in Brampton against the Thunder. The Stingers start their campaign on Oct 14 at home against the Ottawa Gee Gees.