Regina Rebels head to semi-finals, Halifax fails to win a game

by Alexa Dziubenko

BURNABY, B.C. – Kesley Bohay scored twice in a row Thursday to help the Regina Rebels (West) defeat Halifax Metro Boston Pizza (Atlantic) 2-1, earning them a third win and a spot in semifinals at the 2013 Esso Cup.

In a scoreless first period, the Rebels seemed a little too relaxed, and Halifax Metro was able to create some solid plays, includingEmma Winters (Sackville, N.S.), who made some great passes in the offensive zone and dug hard at the net, but Regina netminder Victoria Bourassa (Regina, Sask.) shut down each attempt.

The Regina Rebels regrouped during intermission, coming out full force in the second. With their newfound energy, Bohay notched her first of two goals at 3:11 in the period, assisted by Jylelle Carpenter-Boesch (Gray, Sask.). She followed up at 16:21 to make it 2-0 for the Western reps, this time on a helper from Andie Wilyman (Regina, Sask.).

Halifax Metro closed the gap to 2-1 when Emma Winters (Sackville, N.S.), assisted by Monica Morley (Fall River, N.S.), scored during the last minute of play in the second.

But Halifax Metro couldn’t put it into the net in the third, thanks in part to Bourassa’s strong play between the posts. She continued to play exceptionally well, shutting down Halifax Metro during a five-on-three advantage.

Despite pulling the goalie with 45 seconds remaining, and calling a time-out with 10.8 seconds left, Halifax Metro lost its final game of the tournament. Regina moves on to semifinals, and takes one step closer to hoisting the Esso Cup trophy.

 “We’ve played a lot of hockey this year, and certainly we’ll make a few adjustments from time to time,” Regina head coach Kim Perepeluk said after the game. “It’s exciting any time you’re in the top four of the nation, especially being the first Saskatchewan based team to do it. We’re just going to enjoy the evening, prepare for tomorrow and see what happens. “

The second place Regina Rebels will face off in the first semifinal of the day at 2 p.m. PT on Friday, April 26 against third place LHFDQ Nord (Quebec). The first place Edmonton Thunder will play in the second semifinal of the day Friday at 6 p.m. PT, against whoever wins Thursday’s game between the North Bay Ice Boltz (Ontario) and host team Fraser Valley Phantom.

Watch all the action live on FASTHockey by visiting www.hockeycanada.fasthockey.com and follow the games on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/HC_EssoCup.