Hirsch scores, Fox records shutout as Queens blank Ooks in Edmonton

Brent Forster – Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Edmonton, AB – The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens' ability to shutdown their opponents continues to lead to victories.

Queens forward Mary Hirsch was the only student-athlete from either side to score. RDP goaltender Madison Fox picked up her second consecutive shutout and the Queens blanked the NAIT Ooks 1-0 in a battle for first place.

Both goaltenders were unbeatable over 40 minutes.

Early in the third period, the visitors broke the deadlock. Ooks netminder Kaitlyn Slator made an initial save from a point shot, but Hirsch was well-positioned in front to convert on the backhand at 0:26. First-year Alli Soyko picked up the lone assist on Hirsch's fourth goal and 10th point of the season.

NAIT pulled Slator late in the third, but they couldn't solve Fox. The Queens earned the road decision. 

Fox and Slator were recognized as players of the game for their respective teams.

Fox (1)

Fox made 31 saves. Slator stopped 20-of-21 shots. 

The Queens went zero-for-six on the power play. The Ooks couldn't score on seven opportunities. 

With the shutout, Maple Ridge's Fox bumped down her goals against average to a paltry 1.00 and increased her save percentage to an impressive 0.964.

After dropping a 4-1 decision to NAIT on November 12, Red Deer Polytechnic has rattled off seven consecutive wins all the way to the top of the standings.

The first place Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (7-1) will host the second seed NAIT Ooks (6-2) on Monday, February 7 at 7 pm.