Nighthawks prevail over Gryphons to earn berth in provincials

THORBURN - The North Nova girls hockey team's season came to an end on Thursday after a 4-0 loss to the Northumberland Nighthawks.
Playing at the Thorburn rink in the second of a two-game playoff series, the Nighthawks jumped to an early lead when Alicia Guthro scored minutes into the first period. The Nighthawks were even stronger in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals. Reanne Waller scored Northumberland's second goal, assisted by Ruthanna O'Brien and Emily MacKay. The third goal was scored by Margaret Sutherland, assisted by Lindsay MacLaughlin. Blayre Turnbull added to the lead near the end of the second frame, with an assist from Sutherland.
Lisa White had the shutout for Northumberland. On Wednesday, the Nighthawks beat the North Nova Gryphons 7-2 to take a 1-0 lead in the playoff series.
The Nighthawks have now advanced to provincials, taking place in three weeks in Inverness. After the game, however, Northumberland coach Jeff Green said his girls didn't play at their highest level.
"Honestly, I don't think we played very well in either game. We didn't seem to have much enthusiasm," Green said. "But give North Nova credit, they played well. That was probably the best they've played against us all year."
Meanwhile, the North Nova coach, Andrew Francis, said although his team will not be making the trip to provincials, he's proud of their efforts in the playoff series against the Nighthawks.
"The score isn't always indicative of the play; this time, we played (against) them rather well," he said.
Francis singled out goalie Laura Shannon, who he said had a stronger game in nets than the final score might suggest.
"She had never been a goalie before this year," he said. "We're very proud of her."
This team is young, Francis stressed, adding they had 10 new players this year. He said they've come a long way since the beginning of the season up until now.
"(The playoff series) was a great experience for them," he said.