FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2000

GRIFFINS GET A TOUGH INTRODUCTION TO THE NWHL

New Westminster - The Vancouver Griffins hosted the Brampton Thunder at Queens Park Arena this afternoon for the second NWHL game in the new franchise's history. The Thunder, a team that includes a number of Canadian and US National team players, defeated the Griffins 10-2. Thunder captain Vicky Sunohara scored a hat trick, while teammate Karen Nystrom picked up four points with a goal and three assists. Caroline Hall of Victoria scored for the Griffins in the second with help from Debbie Beaudoin, while Logan Lake's Elaine Topolnisky scored on a pass from Julia Berg late in the third.

The Thunder, who came into this weekend with an 8-1-1 record in the NWHL, took the exhibition series in Vancouver 2-0, winning yesterday with a score of 6-1.

Established in January of this year, the Vancouver Griffins are the newest franchise in the 10-team NWHL, the world's premier women's hockey league. The team will play an exhibition schedule this season, and 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: Brampton Thunder 10 at Vancouver Griffins 2
New Westminster- NWHL

First Period
1. Brampton, Sunohara (Hefford, Schuler) 6:28
2. Brampton, Kay (Rosa, Del Monte) 7:42
3. Brampton, Rosa (Fox, Nystrom) 11:48
4. Brampton, Sunohara (Hefford) 18:09

Penalties
Sneyd VCR (holding) 8:35, Dupuis BTN (interference) 15:04, Rosa BTN Wong VCR (roughing) 17:56

Second Period
5. Brampton, Boyd (Fox, Nystrom) 15:21
6. Vancouver, Hall (Beaudoin) 18:05
7. Brampton, Sunohara (Nystrom, Holmes) 18:61

Penalties
Drolet VCR (roughing) 4:27, Dupuis BTN (bodychecking) 6:20 Rosa BTN (interference) 8:28, McArthur BTN (bodychecking) 10:05, McArthur BTN (bodychecking major, served by Sittler) 18:35, McArthur BTN (game misconduct) 18:35,

Third Period
8. Brampton, Dupuis (Hefford, Fox) 10:01
9. Brampton, Sittler (Dupuis, Fox) 17:01
10. Brampton, Nystrom (Boyd, Brownlee) 17:52
11. Vancouver, Topolnisky (Berg) 18:47

Penalties
Holmes BTN (elbowing) 14:41, Boyd BTN (slashing) 17:32

Shots on goal by: Vancouver 4 10 7 21, Brampton 6 6 10 26
Goal (saves/shots) - Vancouver: Cloutier (L, 16/26);
Brampton: Kellough (W, 19/21)
Referee - Pat Bensmiller. Linesmen - Teresa Anderson, Jason Scott. Attendance - 245

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