REDS Win On Hockey Gives Blood Night

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS scored three times in the third period to beat the UPEI Panthers 4-2 in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action, Friday night in Fredericton.

The win pushed the REDS atop the AUS standings, one point ahead of the Panthers.

The visitors opened the scoring on a goal by Brooke Henderson before first-year REDS defender Jayde Sansregret tied it with the first goal of her AUS career, late in the first period.

Henderson restored UPEI's lead with the only goal of the second.

In the third period, UNB's Katelyn Scott scored twice, including once on a penalty shot, to put UNB in front again.

"We didn't come out how we wanted, but I was proud of how we found a way to win in the third," said Scott. "We're taking lessons from today and will bring our best tomorrow."

Raine Murdoch added an empty net goal to make the final 4-2.

UNB is now 8-2-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL), good for 16 points and first place.

The Panthers are 7-3-1-0 and sit second with 15 points.

It wasn't just an early season battle between the top two teams in the conference it was Hockey Gives Blood Night at UNB's Aitken Centre.

"Tonight was a special night, being able to host a Hockey Gives Blood game," said REDS' captain and Hockey Gives Blood player-ambassador Payton Hargreaves. "Our goal was to raise awareness and promote the initiatives of Canadian Blood Services, from donation clinics to the stem cell registry and more. I think we accomplished this goal. I hope at least one person was impacted tonight and can put it forward to help the next person in need."

REDS' forward Olivia Eustace, in a pre-recorded video shown during the game's first intermission, told the emotional story of her grandmother's fight with cancer, a fight that required regular blood transfusions and inspired Eustace to become a blood donor.

"To see our team come together and push forward was amazing," said Eustace. "This was a game for a bigger cause. Bringing awareness to the importance of donating blood is something that is extremely important to my family and I. I'm so proud of everyone that has helped and donated for this cause."

The REDS are back in action on Saturday night when they host Moncton. Game time is 7:00pm.

The Panthers return home and will play host to St. Thomas on Sunday afternoon.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris/for UNB REDS