Griffins shade Queens at Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

Red Deer, AB – Defence and goaltending took centre stage between the RDC Queens and MacEwan University Griffins Friday evening. The Griffins scored the lone goal early in the first period and that was enough, as the visitors picked up a 1-0 decision.

The Griffins entered Friday's contest with the second best power play in the league, operating at 22.9 per cent. The MacEwan University Griffins hit the scoresheet first and their special teams played a role. At 4:19 with the extra skater, Chantal Ricker beat Queens goaltender Karlee Fetch. Shyla Jans and Jordyn Reimer picked up the assists. Ricker's tally stopped the Queens' perfect penalty killing streak at 19 consecutive times, over four games.

Queens forward Mary Hirsch nearly evened the game about halfway through the frame. The second-year Bachelor of Science Nursing student used her speed and intercepted a pass, just missing the top corner on her backhand.

Both teams did a good job of limiting outnumbered attacks and second chances. There were very few grade "A" offensive opportunities for either side.

The Red Deer College Queens had perhaps their best opportunity to even the contest late in the third period. With 46 seconds remaining in the game, Queens Head Coach Kelly Coulter pulled Fetch in favour of an extra skater. The RDC Queens were also on the power play, but the Griffins' defence held off the attack and wrapped up a 1-0 road win.

The Griffins outshot the Queens 18-6.

Karlee Fetch was chosen the Collegiate Sports Medicine Queens Player-of-the-Game. Chantal Ricker received the honour for the Griffins.

On Saturday, the Griffins (7-0-0-0) will host the Queens (4-1-0-0) in Edmonton at 6:00 p.m.