FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2001

STEELERS SHUTOUT BY THE GRIFFINS

New Westminster - Krista Cloutier backstopped the Griffins to a 5-0 win over the Richmond Steelers in SCFAHL play at Queens Park Arena tonight. Cloutier earned her second shutout in as many starts, with help from a defensive core that held the Steelers to only nine shots. The blue liners also contributed points tonight, with Tamara Pickford adding a goal and a helper, and Glenda Olson earning an assist. Forward Caroline Hall also picked up two points for the Griffins, with a goal and an assist.

Defenseman Sarah Lash and goaltender Leanne Ross each played a strong game for the Steelers. The two teams meet again on Monday January 29th at Great Pacific Forum, 6:30 pm; the Griffins' last of the regular season. The Griffins then host the Steelers on Thursday February 1st, 7:45 pm, for the first game of the SCFAHL playoffs.

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: Richmond Steelers 0 at Vancouver Griffins 5
New Westminster- SCFAHL

First Period
1. Vancouver, Gray (Mcleary, Fedoruk) 13:39

Penalties
Hawrish VCR (interference) 8:11, Hall VCR (holding) 9:16, Houghton RMD (tripping) 14:30

Second Period
2. Vancouver, Hall (Grundy, Olson) 8:41
3. Vancouver, Pickford (unassisted) 11:53

Penalties
Berg VCR (hooking) 3:32, Houghton RMD (bodychecking) 9:13

Third Period
4. Vancouver, Grundy (Pickford) 3:43
5. Vancouver, Topolnisky (Berg, Hall) 10:34

Penalties
Ball RMD (unsportsmanlike conduct) 0:19, Grundy VCR (hooking) 2:03, Hall VCR, Houghton RMD (roughing) 4:43, Grundy VCR (spearing double minor) 4:43, Ross RMD (slashing), served by Fong 4:43, Ball RMD (slashing) 12:13

Shots on goal by Vancouver 7 14 8 29, Richmond 6 1 2 9
Goal (Saves/Shot) - Vancouver: Cloutier (W, 9/9);
Richmond: Ross (L, 24/29)
Power Plays (goals - chances) -Vancouver: 0/4 Richmond: 0/5

Referee - Sean Spears. Linesmen - Liam Coughlan, Pat Bensmiller Elizabeth Arden Player of the Game Awards:
Richmond Steelers- # 10 Sarah Lash
Vancouver Griffins - #12 Alana Gray

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