Ace Hardware Scores Four Unanswered to Defeat Tradition Mortgage 4-1

by Pete Waggoner

The nightcap of opening night at Braemar Arena featured two of the Celly League's most consistent contenders. Over the first three seasons, Tradition Mortgage and Ace Hardware have been perennial playoff threats, and Wednesday night's matchup showcased why both teams are expected to once again be in the mix during the league's fourth season.

Tradition Mortgage grabbed the early advantage just 4:50 into the opening half.

Abby Garvin (Holy Cross) finished off a strong sequence involving a pair of Franklin Pierce teammates. Brenna Prellwitz started the play before finding Abby Broz in the low slot. Broz fired a point-blank shot on Ace Hardware goaltender Sedona Blair (New Hampshire), who came up with an outstanding save. The rebound kicked to Garvin stationed beside the post, and she quickly buried it for the game's opening goal and a 1-0 Tradition Mortgage lead.

From there, however, Ace Hardware took control.

The equalizer came off the stick of Sydney Leonard (New Hampshire) before Ace seized the lead less than two minutes later. Just 1:50 after Leonard's tally, Ellie Zakrajscheck (Minnesota Duluth) finished off a beautiful passing play with Dylan Berman (Providence). Berman slid a pass from right to left across the high slot, where Zakrajscheck deposited the puck behind Tradition Mortgage goaltender Ashlyn Hazlett (Bemidji State) for a 2-1 advantage with 6:40 remaining in the first half.

Ace Hardware continued to press the attack and extended its lead late in the opening period.

With just 1:14 remaining in the half, 2026 Ms. Hockey finalist Cate McCoy (Dartmouth) blasted home a one-timer after receiving a centering pass from Jackson Kinsler. McCoy's quick release beat Hazlett and sent Ace Hardware into the intermission holding a 3-1 lead.

The pressure continued early in the second half.

Just 2:30 into the period, high school standout Mia Sutch (Centennial/Spring Lake Park) joined the scoring parade. Sutch drove hard to the net and displayed impressive hands before finishing on her backhand after connecting with Allie DeFauw and McCoy. The goal pushed the Ace Hardware lead to 4-1 and capped a stretch of four unanswered goals.

While the offense garnered much of the attention, Ace Hardware's defensive effort and goaltending were equally impressive.

After surrendering the opening goal, Blair settled in and turned aside every shot she faced the rest of the way. Ace Hardware dominated possession throughout much of the contest, peppering the Tradition Mortgage net with 18 first-half shots and another 23 in the second half.

At the opposite end, Kaitlin Groess (Bemidji State) found herself under siege throughout the evening in her first appearance of the 2026 season, but continued to battle despite the relentless pressure.

Ace Hardware's balanced offensive attack, sustained puck possession, and strong goaltending proved to be the difference as they opened the season with an impressive 4-1 victory.

Final Score

Ace Hardware 4, Tradition Mortgage 1

Scoring Summary

First Half

  • TM – Abby Garvin (Abby Broz, Brenna Prellwitz), 4:50

  • AH – Sydney Leonard, (Cate McCoy, Jackson Kinsler) 8:20 

  • AH – Ellie Zakrajscheck (Dylan Berman), 6:40

  • AH – Cate McCoy (Jackson Kinsler), 1:14

Second Half

  • AH – Mia Sutch (Allie DeFauw, Cate McCoy), 17:30

Notable Performers

  • Cate McCoy (Dartmouth): Goal, Assist

  • Mia Sutch (Centennial/Spring Lake Park): Goal

  • Ellie Zakrajscheck (Minnesota Duluth): Goal

  • Sedona Blair (New Hampshire): Strong performance after allowing opening goal

By The Numbers

  • Ace Hardware shots: 41

  • Tradition Mortgage shots: 17

  • Ace Hardware unanswered goals: 4