Balanced attack leads the way for Hepp's Salt in 6-1 win

by Pete Waggoner

The nightcap of Tuesday's Celly League action saw Hepp's Salt break into the win column in convincing fashion, skating to a 6-1 victory over Tradition Black at Braemar Ice Arena.

Both teams entered the contest looking for their first victory of the young season after suffering losses on opening night, but it was Hepp's Salt that controlled the pace from the outset and never looked back.

Hepp's opened the scoring midway through the first half when Audrey Garton (Mankato State) finished a play from Emme Nelson (IF Sundsvall) and Bailey Gray (Delaware) at the 14:55 mark. Just over a minute later, the lead doubled as Lily Mortenson capitalized on a setup from Grace Bendickson (St. Michael's) and Ella Pasqua (UST) to make it 2-0.

The two-goal advantage held through the remainder of the opening half as Hepp's carried a 13-10 edge in shots on goal.

The second half belonged entirely to Hepp's Salt.

Just 4:24 into the period, Danica Mark (Delaware) extended the lead to 3-0 off assists from Nelson and Garton. Less than four minutes later, Ellie Stewart (UST) got in on the scoring, converting a feed from Jilian Klein (Boston College) and Emma Hoen (Post) to push the advantage to four.

Hepp's continued to roll when Nora Stepan found the back of the net at 19:45, finishing a play created by Hoen for a 5-0 lead.

Tradition Black finally broke through at the 8:52 mark when Avery Achterkirch (BSU) scored from Chloe King (Franklin Pierce), spoiling the shutout bid and cutting the deficit to 5-1.

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly erased, however, as Stewart struck again with 2:44 remaining, burying a feed from Lauren Karl (Long Island) for her second goal of the game and capping the scoring at 6-1.

Hepp's Salt showcased impressive offensive balance throughout the contest, receiving goals from five different players while six others recorded assists. Stewart led the way with a pair of goals, while Nelson and Hoen each contributed two assists.

Goaltenders Annika Lavender (St. Michael's) and Lauren Larson (Sacred Heart) combined to limit Tradition Black to a single goal on 24 shots, while Hepp's generated 32 shots on net in a complete team effort.

The victory gives Hepp's Salt its first win of the season and moves the club back into the mix early in the Celly League standings.

Final Score: Hepp's Salt 6, Tradition Black 1
Shots on Goal: Hepp's Salt 32, Tradition Black 24

Hepp's Salt Scoring

  • Audrey Garton from Emme Nelson and Bailey Gray
  • Lily Mortenson from Grace Bendickson and Ella Pasqua
  • Danica Mark from Emme Nelson and Audrey Garton
  • Ellie Stewart from Jilian Klein and Emma Hoen
  • Nora Stepan from Emma Hoen
  • Ellie Stewart from Lauren Karl

Tradition Black Scoring

  • Avery Achterkirch from Chloe King

Notable Performers

  • Ellie Stewart: 2 goals
  • Emme Nelson: 2 assists
  • Emma Hoen: 2 assists
  • Audrey Garton: Goal and assist

Hepp's Salt improves to 1-1 on the season, while Tradition Black falls to 0-2.