Banner Season: Toronto captain comes through in the clutch to help lead Varsity Blues to McCaw Cup title
Toronto (via Toronto Varsity Blues) - The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s hockey team captured their first OUA McCaw Cup since 2002-03 with a thrilling 3-1 victory over the York Lions on Friday, March 6 at Varsity Arena.
Second-year netminder Erica Fryer made 33 saves in leading U of T to their OUA-leading 18th provincial banner since 1980. Fryer earned CCM player of the game honours for her efforts.
“Before we went into playoffs, we talked about adversity and how we were bound to face it during the post season,” said Fryer. “So once we were down, we knew we still had a chance. We had lots of time left. Our team just stuck together and we knew we could come out with the win.”
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Vicky Sunohara, who was named the 2019-20 OUA coach of the year in her ninth season as Blues bench boss, was thrilled after the game.
“We did what they had to do. I think we had a tough first period but it was the same thing as the whole playoff series - we bent but we didn’t break. I’m just really proud of them.”
“Erica was unbelievable, but she plays like that every night,” added Sunohara. “She is just a gamer. She loves these big games, she loves the challenge and she stepped up today.”
HOW IT HAPPENED: Third-year Lions forward Courtney Gardiner opened the scoring five minutes to the game, scoring off a fast break down the ice. The Blues responded though as fifth-year forward Jessica Robichaud tipped in a Cristine Chao point shot five minutes later.
After a scoreless second period, Blues team captain Stephanie Ayres scored just 55 seconds into the final frame as she beat Lions netminder Serena Vilde in close.
The Lions poured on the pressure, outshooting the Blues 11-4 in the third frame, but Fryer stood tall. Fifth-year Cristine Chao added an empty netter with 1:12 remaining to secure the win.
UP NEXT: Both Toronto and York will head to Charlottetown for the 2020 U SPORTS Championship, March 12-15, hosted by UPEI for the second straight year. Seeding and scheduling will be announced Sunday.
“I think the whole playoff run is just grit,” said Sunohara “We talk about what is going make us successful. Hard work, keep it simple, Blues hockey and heart. We’ve been playing with heart, so they’ll give us a good chance next week.”