The Aberdeen Cougars lost their girls’ league opening hockey game to the Oahe Capitals 1-0 on Sunday at the Odde Ice Center.
The visitors scored a goal in the opening period and made it stand up the rest of the way in the defensive battle.
Chloe Vikander had 23 saves for Aberdeen, but Oahe goalie Kylee Fromm pitched a shutout, stopping all 27 shots she faced.
“I thought it was a good start to the season. The girls came out with great effort and a solid compete level,” said Aberdeen coach Amy Munsterman-Wills. “After a month and a half of practice, getting into real game situations helps us see what’s working and what we need to keep sharpening.”
Munsterman-Wills said there were positives to take away from the narrow setback.
“Overall, they kept a strong pace and played hard,” she said, “and there’s a lot we can build on moving forward.”
The Cougars played a friendly on Saturday against Jamestown, N.D., and came away with a 2-1 win in a shootout with goals scored by Kaylee Dixon and Addy Keller.
“(Saturday) was a bit of a slower start for us, but by the third period the girls really picked it up and found their pace,” Munsterman-Wills said. “It’s still a good overall start to the season, and these early games are great for showing us where we can grow and what we need to fine-tune.”
The Cougars have a busy weekend ahead with a game at Watertown on Friday, before hosting Rushmore on Saturday night, and Mitchell on Sunday afternoon at the Odde Ice Center.
Oahe Capitals 1 0 0 – 1
Aberdeen Cougars 0 0 0 – 0
First Period: 1, OC, Brenna Ullman (Addison Hunsley, Emily Nemec), 2:21.
Second Period: No scoring.
Third Period: No Scoring.
Shots on Goal: Oahe Capitals 24; Aberdeen Cougars 27.
Goalies: Oahe Capitals, Kylee Fromm (27 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (23 saves).
