The Prince Albert Northern Bears saw their 2022 Esso Cup run come to an end on Friday in Okotoks. (Twitter/Hockey Canada)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Bears Hockey

Bears eliminated after battle for last 2022 Esso Cup playoff spot

May 20, 2022 | 7:24 PM

The Prince Albert Northern Bears’ run at the 2022 Esso Cup came to an end on Friday, after they fell in the final round-robin game of the national female U18 AAA hockey tournament in Okotoks.

The Bears lost to the Northern Selects from Pictou, N.S., 2-0 in a do-or-die game for both sides, scrapping for the last spot in the semifinals.

The Esso Cup standings were quite cramped. Had the Bears won on Friday against the Selects, they would have been ranked in second place, winning a three-way tie with eight points over the Fraser Valley Rush (head-to-head record) and the Notre Dame Hounds (more wins).

But instead, the Bears slipped out of the top-four teams with their six points. The Selects jumped up from fifth to fourth place to steal that last spot from the Bears.

It was an even game in terms of shots and chances, but the Selects took advantage of their opportunities when they game.

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Julia MacDonald scored the lone goal in the second period, 6:17 into the second period. The Bears were searching for the equalizer, but could not solve Selects goaltender Jorja Burrows, who made 31 saves for the shutout. After a turnover behind the Bears’ net, the Selects took a 2-0 lead thanks to a goal from Sara Stewart with 3:23 remaining in the game.

Bears goaltender Paige Fischer made 31 saves on 33 Selects shots for the defeat.

After the game, Bears’ assistant captain Sophia Zuck was presented with the 2022 Esso Cup Most Sportsmanlike Award.

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jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW