The Carleton women’s varsity hockey team defeated the Concordia University Stingers 2-0 in the Ice House Jan. 31.

The game was the second of the weekend, following a disappointing but well-fought game on Jan. 30 against McGill University, when the Ravens lost 4-1.

The first period of the game was testament to both the power of the Ravens’ offence and the Stingers’ defence.

The period ended without any goals, but the Ravens managed to rack up 15 shots on net, while the Stingers only had three.

Although stronger in the first period, the Ravens managed to keep pace with Concordia in the second by keeping the puck mostly out of the Raven zone.

The stars of the game were definitely on the defensive side.

Defence duo Melanie McKnight and Kristen Marson ensured that no Stinger could last long in the Raven zone.

The Stingers had plenty of chances in the second period to come out on top, but failed to take advantage of power plays in both the second and third periods.

The strong Raven defence gave way to a strong offence at the end of the second period.

With less than two minutes left in the second period, Raven captain Tara O’Reilly gave the Ravens a 1-0 lead.

Both teams brought strategy and brute force in the third period.

The Stingers managed to follow through with some thought-out plays, forcing Raven goalie Valarie Charbonneau to defend the net at a higher level in the third period compared to the first.

Charbonneau is clearly a key player to the Raven roster for this season, playing an excellent game when called upon.

Although the third period saw 11 shots on the Raven net, Raven offence refused to let up, eventually leading Michelle Zimmer to score the Ravens’ second of the night, bringing their lead to two over Concordia.

The Ravens showed no mercy in the final minutes of the game. Although the Stingers managed to bring up their game, it was too late for Concordia.

Overall the Ravens seemed to have control over the game — taking control of power plays, having a strong for check and keeping the puck out of the Raven zone.

“I feel like Carleton really outplayed them. There were some points where it was really sloppy hockey, but for the most part they had really good pressure,” said Carleton student and Raven fan Jen Meisner. “I think they will have a pretty good chance at playoffs.”

“[The team] played a more solid game against McGill, but today we had more shots on net,” said head coach Shelley Coolidge.

Coolidge said she has high expectations for playoffs.

The Ravens will see McGill and Concordia Feb. 6-7 for a rematch when Carleton will attempt to conquer top-standing McGill and once again knock out Concordia.