September 2-3, 2023, Scotiabank Pond
The Wildcats opened up their 2023-24 campaign with a three-game exhibition series hosted by the Etobicoke Jr Dolphins. Several USPORTS and NCAA coaches and scouts were in attendance throughout the weekend, getting an early look at key players before the start of the regular season and the Canada USA Cup Showcase in Stoney Creek. (Sept. 15-17)
Game 1 - Saturday September 2, 11:00am - Wildcats vs Ottawa 67's 4-4 Final
The Wildcats came out with a fast start exchanging chances with the 67's. Leaside opened the scoring with two late goals at the end of the first period. #19 Mackenzie Mills opened the scoring with a goal line walk off a chip in from defenceman #44 Sadie Lovering. The Wildcats quickly added another goal at 0:58 of the period. #88 Lauren Gilbert scored with passes from #11 Kaitlyn Towle and #68 Elaina Pilkington.
The second period was filled with goals from both teams. 67's scored early in the second period. Wildcat's #64 Ava Myers would score at the 12:46 mark with the team's third marker with assists from #88 Laruen Gilbert and #68 Elaina Pilkington. The 67's would answer back with their second goal of the game at 6:46. Leaside would add one more before the end of the period with a power play goal from #44 Sadie Lovering and assisted by #77 Riley Stansfield.
The 67's would regroup and have a solid 3rd period with two goals to tie the game. The game ended in a four all draw.
Game 2 - Saturday September 2, 5:00pm - Wildcats vs London Jr Devilettes 4-2 Final (W)
Coming off a strong start with 4 goals, the Wildcats were looking to turn-in a stronger defensive game vs the London Jr Devilettes.
London would open the scoring late in the first period at 3:38 with a PP goal . The second period saw Leaside explode for several goals, staring with a rebound chip in from #17 Arianna Vernazza off a shot from #11 Kaitlyn Towle. The Devilettes would answer back just over a minute later. Leaside would add three more goals before the end of the period. First was a great individual effort from defenseman Sadie Lovering, #44. Second was a shot off the pass by #13 Arwen Lee, assists from #43 Hannah Parent and #88 Lauren Gilbert. The final goal for Leaside was a tight angle shot by #29 Ava Fisher from behind the goal line.
Both teams would exchanges scoring opportunities through the third period but the score would stand 4-2 with goalie Sara-Lynn Gauthier making 18 saves.
Game 3 - Sunday September 3, 9:00am - Wildcats vs Kingston Jr Ice Wolves 3-1 Final (L)
An early start for both teams and with Kingston coming off two losses on Saturday the Jr Ice Wolves were hungry for a win on Sunday.
Leaside started the game with a quick pace and scored early at 19:07 of the first period with #11 Kaitlyn Towle, from #19 Mackenzie Mills. Kingston found footing late in the first period and made a good push but Goalie, Sarah-Lynn Gauthier stood strong and helped maintain the lead into the first intermission making 11 saves in the first period.
The second period began with an unfortunate neutral zone turn over that resulted in a 3-on-1 turning into a goal for the Jr. Ice Wolves. Both teams would go on to exchange penalties and Kingston took advantage to push the score to 2-1. The end of the second frame saw Leaside sustain a few injuries and would go on the play the third down a goal and a pair of players. Kingston would go on to add an empty net goal to set the final score at 3-1.
Sarah-Lynn Gauthier stood tall to stop a total of 34 shots to keep the Wildcats within reach but the strong defensive effort by the Ice Wolves kept Leaside off the scoreboard in the 3rd.
"Overall the staff was very excited about the progress they saw this weekend, lots of positives to build on. Our staff was impressed with the players' ability to take feedback and implement the skill and tactics right away. The team has a lot of speed this year and several highly skilled players who can impact the game. There is a strong foundation to build on here and we're excited to see how fast this team will grow and progress in the first half." - Coach Janus
The Jr Wildcats will have two exhibition games next week. Friday night in Vaughan vs the Toronto Aeros at the Sports Village, 8:30pm. On Saturday the Jr Wildcats host the Kingston Jr Ice Wolves in Leaside at 2:30pm and look forward to a rematch.
Click Here for the Wildcat's regular season schedule.
