FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2001

GRIFFINS SHUTOUT THE LIGHTENING

New Westminster - The Vancouver Griffins defeated the Oval Lightening of Calgary 1-0 in exhibition play at Queens Park Arena this afternoon. Griffins' Goaltender Krista Cloutier earned her first shutout of the season, stopping all 11 shots she faced. It's the second shutout in a row for the Griffins; Jennifer Price stoned the UBC Thunderbirds on January 5th. The pride of Logan Lake, B.C., Elaine Topolnisky, scored the game's lone marker, with a beautiful wrist shot off a break away set up by line mate Natalie Christensen.

It was a tight checking but clean game with only two minutes in penalties called. The Griffins had the majority of the scoring chances, but Amanda Tapp was solid in net for the Lightening. The win today puts the Griffins overall record at 15-4-0. The two teams face off again tomorrow at Queens Park Arena at 9:15 a.m.

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: Calgary Oval Lightening 0 at Vancouver Griffins 1
New Westminster- Exhibition

First Period
No scoring

Penalty
None

Second Period
1. Vancouver, Topolnisky (unassisted) 2:54

Penalty
Medhurst CAL (roughing) 6:02

Third Period
No scoring.

Penalty
None

Shots on goal by Vancouver 15 Calgary 11
Goal (Saves/Shot) - Vancouver: Cloutier (W, 11/11);
Calgary: Tapp (L, 14/15)
Power Plays (goals - chances) -Vancouver: 0/1, Calgary: 0/0

Referee - Pat Bensmiller. Linesmen - Bill Lambert, Teresa Anderson Elizabeth Arden Player of the Game Awards:
Calgary Oval Lightening - # 11 Sue Lippett (A)
Vancouver Griffins - #29 Krista Cloutier

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