Well Rounded Win boosts Pellicia Ace Hardware to 3-0 start

Pellicci Ace Hardware continued its impressive start to the 2026 Celly League season Tuesday night at Braemar Arena, defeating Hepp’s Salt 5-2 to improve to 3-0 and establish a firm grip on first place.

With the victory, Ace Hardware opened a five-point cushion over both Hepp’s Salt and Lake Cowboy in the early standings race, while Hepp’s dropped to 1-2 on the season.

Coming into the matchup, Pellicci’s Ace Hardware had already collected victories in its first two games and once again leaned on the formula that has fueled its success: outstanding goaltending, disciplined play through all three zones, and impressive puck support.

That structure helped Ace weather an early push from Hepp’s Salt, who generated the better scoring chances during portions of the opening half. However, Janie McGawn (Dartmouth) was once again flawless between the pipes. McGawn turned aside all 21 shots she faced during her 30-minute stint, improving her season totals to 37 saves without allowing a goal through two appearances.

Ace Hardware rewarded its goaltender with timely offense.

Meredith Jensen opened the scoring at 12:20 of the first half, finishing a setup from Jackson Kinsler (Syracuse) and Dylan Berman (Providence) to give Ace a 1-0 lead. Sydney Leonard (New Hampshire) doubled the advantage midway through the period, converting a feed from Grace Delmonico (Hamline)  and Cate McCoy (Dartmouth) for a 2-0 edge heading into the break.

The second half belonged largely to Ace Hardware.

Lizzy Callahan (UMD) extended the lead to 3-0 just five minutes into the period off an assist from Jensen before Leonard struck again at 20:15. The New Hampshire forward buried her second goal of the night from Kinsler and Lily Barrett , giving Ace a commanding 4-0 lead.

Leonard was dangerous throughout the contest, finishing with two goals while narrowly missing on a pair of golden opportunities that would have completed the hat trick.

To their credit, Hepp’s Salt refused to go away quietly.

Trailing 4-0 late in regulation, Emma Hoen (Post) helped spark a rally. Hoen first scored at 2:51 remaining off assists from Taryn Richter (St. Michaels) and Taylor Porthan (St. Thomas) to break up the shutout. Just 36 seconds later, Hoen delivered a terrific setup to Danica Mark (Delaware), whose goal cut the deficit to 4-2 and briefly gave Hepp’s life.

The comeback push ultimately ran out of time.

With Hepp’s Salt pressing and the goaltender pulled for an extra attacker, Ace Hardware sealed the victory when Kinsler found the empty net with 1:06 remaining. Delmonico and Maeve Kelly collected assists on the insurance marker.

Kinsler finished with a goal and two assists, while Leonard's two-goal performance paced the offense. Jensen added a goal and an assist, and Delmonico chipped in a pair of helpers.

The win keeps Pellicci Ace Hardware perfect through three games and firmly atop the Celly League standings, while Hepp’s Salt will look to regroup after suffering its second loss of the young season despite a spirited late push.