RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna remains on-top of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League
(CSSHL) Female U18 Prep Division after defeating Shawnigan Lake School 4-3 in overtime.
This was the reigning champions fourth CSSHL Female U18 Prep Western Championship
having defeated Delta Hockey Academy U18 last season. Their previous two championships
came in 2017/18 and 2018/19 when the program was known as Pursuit of Excellence (POE).
It was Shawnigan Lake who wasted no time as Morgan Jackson (2A) sped down the wing
finding Abby Whitworth (2G) to clinch the game’s first tally only 11-seconds in. Shawnigan
Lake would continue to apply pressure throughout the first until a penalty from Jackson
alleviated their press.
RHA Kelowna would strike back at the conclusion of their powerplay with a tap-in from Janelle
Evans. Shortly after however, the dynamic duo of Jackson and Whitworth would strike again,
letting Shawnigan Lake exit the first with a 2-1 lead.
RHA Kelowna would begin to up-the-ante in the second period with a fury of chances, but
Shawnigan Lake goaltender, Lauren Mackay (31/35), stood on her head to preserve her team’s
lead. RHA Kelowna would prevail soon before the end of the period off of a slick breakout play
sparked by Carmen Bray, leading to Emelia McDermid’s 3rd goal of the playoffs.
Entering the third period, we were met with back and forth action, making for a quality nail-
biter. RHA Kelowna’s, Hailey Armstrong, would blast home a loose rebound 49-seconds in
giving them their first lead of the hockey game. Shawnigan Lake would claw back with another
one of their own off the stick of Mya Lawrence.
Overtime provided its fair share of moments, with many people holding their breath throughout.
RHA Kelowna would press hard early on with a powerplay opportunity, but Mackay continued
to stand tall and hold her team at bay.
After killing-off the penalty Shawnigan would have a few chances of their own before RHA
Kelowna re-gained the momentum.
Chloe Primerano (3A) would carry the puck in off the right wing before crashing towards the
net. Janelle Evans would follow up on Primerano and take the puck around the net before
burying home a wrap-around between the wickets of a stickless Mackay.