Plattsburgh graduate student defenseman Erin McArdle positions herself to restrict Norwich senior defenseman Emma O’Neill to the outside as she skates through the neutral zone in the third period of the Championship game of the 11th Northfield Savings Bank East-West Classic at Norwich’s Kreitzberg Arena. For the sixth time in the 11-year history of the Northfield Savings Bank East-West Classic, the Cardinals of Plattsburgh State lifted the championship plaque at Norwich University’s Kreitzberg Arena, with a 2-1 win over the host Cadets.
The Cardinals came out strong in the first period, but the Cadets were able to answer that intensity, as Plattsburgh led shots in the opening period 12-7. The opening goal of the game, though, would come on an individual effort from Plattsburgh sophomore forward Mae Olshansky.
As Norwich looked to clear their defensive zone, Olshansky intercepted the breakout pass. Despite falling on the play, Olshansky was able to elevate the puck with a backhanded shot from her knees to beat Norwich senior goaltender Alexa Berg.
Norwich brought more fights to the second period, leading shots in the back-and-forth frame 12-10. The Cadets tied the game at 7:30 of the second period as junior forward Mikah Baptiste sent the puck low through heavy traffic to beat Plattsburgh junior goaltender Chloe Beaubien.
The Cardinals regained their lead before the second intermission as the rebound off a shot from senior defenseman Sierra Benjamin fell to Olshansky, who passed to graduate student forward Kaitlin Drew-Mead at the backdoor for the tap-in goal.
Drew-Mead’s tally proved to be the game-winner, as Plattsburgh controlled possession in the third period, leading shots 17-6.
Beaubien stopped 24 of the 25 shots she faced for the win in net for Plattsburgh, while Berg tied her career-high 37 saves on 39 shots in the loss.
As Plattsburgh celebrated its sixth championship in their nine years competing in this tournament, Plattsburgh forwards Annie Katonka and Olshanksy joined Elmira’s Morgan Mordini, Adrian’s Jocelin Hudanish, and Norwich's Morgan Tefft and Berg on the All-Tournament Team. Beaubien was named tournament MVP, record two wins, and stopped 53 of the 55 shots she faced on the weekend.
Gallery.

Plattsburgh graduate student Kaitlin Drew-Mead celebrates the go-ahead goal against Norwich University in the championship game of the 11th Northfield Savings Bank East-West Classic at Norwich’s Kreitzberg Arena Gallery.