The Metropolitan Riveters scored three goals in the second period to take command and beat the Connecticut Whale on Saturday, 5-2 at the ISCC in Simsbury. (Jonathan Sawn photo courtesy Connecticut Whale).
SIMSBURY, Dec. 17, 2022 – The visiting Metropolitan Riveters scored three goals in the span of 1:24 in the second period to take control and beat the Connecticut Whale, 5-3, Saturday afternoon at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Premier Hockey Federation play.
The Whale (2-3-1) had a 1-0 lead thanks to a short-handed goal from Taylor Girard in the first period.
But the Riveters took the lead thanks to goals from Emily Harley, Amanda Pelkey and Fanni Garat Gasparics. Pelkey finished with two goals for Metropolitan (4-6) with goalie Eveliina Makinen making 50 saves to earn the win.
Emma Vlasic also scored for Connecticut, which hosts defending Isobel Cup champion Boston (7-1) on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the ISCC. Connecticut has lost two in a row.
NOTES: Connecticut Sun guard Courtney Williams and forward Dijonai Carrington dropped the ceremonial first puck. They were on hand as the Whale honored Kennedy Marchment for winning the PHF’s MVP award last winter.
Metropolitan forwards Kaycie Anderson, Catherine Crawley, and defender Taylor Marchin played their first regular season game against former teammates since signing with the Rivs as free agents this summer.
Anderson is the longest serving Whale of the group and ranks third in franchise history with 61 games played over five seasons from 2017-22. Marchin accumulated 55 games over four seasons since joining the Whale in 2018, and Crawley debuted with the organization last season where she recorded six points in 20 games.
Metropolitan 5, Connecticut 2
At Simsbury
Metropolitan (4-6) 0 3 2 — 5
Connecticut (2-3-1) 1 0 1 — 2
First period
Connecticut 1, Taylor Girard, 1:32 (sh); Penalties: Alyssa Wohlfeiler (CT), 0:33; Catherine Crawley (M), 12:28
Second period
Metropolitan 1, Emily Harley (Fanni Garat Gasparics), 8:04, Metropolitan 2, Amanda Pelkey (Madison Packer), 8:45; Metropolitan 3, Fanni Garat Gasparics (Ebba Berglund), 9:27; Penalties: Sarah Bujold (M), 4:04
Third Period
Connecticut 2, Emma Vlasic (Allie Munroe, Janka Hlinka), 14:41; Metropolitan 4, Amanda Pelkey (Kennedy Ganser), 16:36, Metropolitan 5, Sarah Bujold, 18:47 (empty net); Penalties: Janka Hlinka (CT), 4:02, Justine Reyes (CT) 8:04
Shots: Connecticut 42 (11-17-14), Metropolitan 26 (7-12-7); Saves: Eveliina Makinen (M) 40 saves; Abbie Ives (CT) 21 saves; Power plays: Connecticut 0-2, Metropolitan 0-3
