FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2001

GRIFFINS TAKE GAME ONE OF PROVINCIALS

NEW WESTMINSTER - The Vancouver Griffins faced off against the BC Outback from Kamloops this afternoon at Queens Park Arena and came away with a 7-2 win. The Griffins jumped out to an early lead on goals by Caroline Hall and Natalie Christensen. Nancy Drolet added one later in the first frame while her team was shorthanded, and another in the second while on the power play. Drolet also added three assists to earn a total of five points. Kelly Stephens also had a strong game for the Griffins, playing well in her own zone, and adding two goals and two assists. The Griffins defensive core had another great game, holding the Outback to just 13 shots.

Kathy Cooper ended Krista Cloutier's shutout streak with the Outback's first goal late in the second. Janine Foisy also picked up a goal for the Outback, while her team was on the power play mid-way through the third. Jean Terpsma played well for the Outback, stopping 41 of the 48 shots she faced.

The Richmond Steelers will play the Outback tonight at 7:45 and the Griffins tomorrow morning at 9:15. The top two teams will play for the Provincial Championship at 2:30 pm on Sunday.

Established in January 2000, the Vancouver Griffins are the newest franchise in the 10-team NWHL, the world's premier women's hockey league. The Griffins compete in the SCFAHL and are playing an exhibition schedule in the NWHL this season. They will begin full interlocking play in the NWHL in 2001-2002. According to CHA statistics, participation in female hockey has grown by more than 400% in the last 10 years, making it among the fastest growing sports in the world.

Game Summary: Kamloops Outback 2 at Vancouver Griffins 7
New Westminster- BCAHA Provincial Championships

First Period
1. Vancouver, Hall (Berg, Sinow) 1:16
2. Vancouver, Christensen (Topolnisky) 2:20
3. Vancouver, Drolet (Pitre) (sh) 15:03
Penalty- Sinow VCR (interference) 14:16

Second Period
4. Vancouver, Drolet (Stephens) (pp) 14:49
5. Kamloops, Cooper (Neal, Beaudoin ) 17:33
6. Vancouver, Stephens (Drolet, Pitre) 18:42
Penalties - Hawrish VCR (high-sticking), 1:30 Boehm KMP (elbowing) 9:32

Third Period
7. Vancouver, Stephens (Drolet, Maskall) 11:15
8. Kamloops, Foisey (Nadon, Taylor) 12:53 (pp)
9. Vancouver, Pitre (Stephens, Drolet) 18:49
Penalty- Wong VCR (interference) 12:36

Shots on goal by: Vancouver 17 12 19 49 Kamloops 4 4 5 13
Goal (Saves/Shot) - Vancouver: Cloutier (W 11/13);
Kamloops: Terpsma (L 41/48)
Power Plays (goals - chances) - Vancouver: 1/1, Kamloops 1/3

Referee - Pat Bensmiller. Linesmen - Liam Coughlan, Teresa Anderson

Elizabeth Arden Player of the Game Awards:
Kamloops Outbacks - #27 Daphne Neal
Vancouver Griffins - #21 Sherri Schmidt

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