Packer: "Riveters Go-Through-A-Wall Mentality Has Been Restored" After OT Win
October 13, 2019 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Metropolitan Riveters News Release
In one of the most resilient performances in the young history of the NWHL, the Metropolitan Riveters - losers by the score of 9-2 to the Whitecaps on Saturday - returned to TRIA Rink on Sunday and defeated Minnesota, 4-3, in overtime.
Rebecca Morse, the highly-respected Riveters veteran, scored the game-winning goal just 35 seconds into the extra frame.
"Just pure joy and excitement, mixed with a big sigh of relief," Morse said after her clutch tally gave the Riveters their first victory of the season. "I was trying to use their defender as a screen and just get it to the net. Resilience is something we talked about as a team before the game. Today, we battled all game and never gave up, and we earned the win."
Rookie Kendall Cornine scored twice for the Riveters, with her second goal giving the team a 3-2 lead early in the third period. However, Allie Thunstrom tied it up for the Whitecaps with just under three minutes left in regulation.
While some may have expected the Riveters to slump their shoulders, the visitors refused to let the late goal get them down.
"The go-through-a-wall mentality has been restored in our franchise," said Riveters captain Madison Packer, who had a goal in the game. "We stand up for each other and we won't go away. We have a lot of moving parts that we still need to put into place in this marathon of a season. This team has a lot of potential, and I am very proud to wear the Riveters jersey with this group."
After the game, the Riveters heaped praise at goaltender Sam Walther, who was pulled during the blowout loss on Saturday, but rebounded to make 37 saves and earn her first NWHL win.
"I'm so proud of our effort, especially of Sam Walther and the way she played in goal after everyone struggled on Saturday," said Morse. "That's unbelievable, the way Sam came back strong. Both Sam and Dana DeMartino (who played in relief on Saturday) showed incredible mental toughness this weekend."
The Whitecaps out-shot the Riveters 40-25 and killed all six of the Riveters' power plays. Comparing Saturday's lopsided win to Sunday's overtime loss, Thunstrom said, "We played better today, even though we didn't get the win."
Riveters first-year head coach Ivo Mocek said he knew the rematch would see a better result.
"I felt the energy going back to our video session this morning," said Mocek. "Our players worked hard and earned and deserved the win today. Every single one of them stuck with the game plan and did their job. We might be a 'new' team, but we showed this weekend what happens when you display grit and work ethic. I'm really proud of our players and how they responded."
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from October 13, 2019
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