Abby Hustler scored the game-winning goal with 12:12 remaining in the third period, as the ninth-ranked St. Lawrence University women's hockey team upset the third-ranked Clarkson Golden Knights in the 49th edition of the Route 11 Rivalry on Friday night in Canton, N.Y.
 
The game's intense atmosphere was established from the opening puck drop. The Marsh Pit was packed, the referees allowed physical play, and each team displayed high level of hockey. St. Lawrence goaltender Emma-Sofie Nordström and Clarkson goaltender Michelle Pasiechnyk were both sharp early and negated any early scoring opportunities.
 
After the scoreless first period, Clarkson narrowly outshot SLU 9-8.
 
The Golden Knights picked up their offensive-zone pressure in the second period thanks to two power-play opportunities. On their first player-advantage, the Saints penalty kill excelled and closed out shooting lanes, only allowing one shot-on-goal on the power-play. Nordström shined on their second power-play, specifically making two back-to-back huge saves.
 
Nordström and the Saints penalty kill kept the game 0-0 after two periods of play.
 
In the third period, the St. Lawrence lethal power-play finally got their opportunity, and the third-ranked power-play in the nation struck. Captain Julia Gosling sent a shot from the top of the right circle towards Pasiechnyk, and the rebound bounced around in front of the Clarkson goaltender until Hustler flicked home the rebound. The Appleton faithful erupted as the Saints took a 1-0 lead.
 
In this rivalry game, Clarkson would not go down easily. The Golden Knights had multiple sustained possessions in the Saints' defensive zone, including one with under one minute remaining in the game with a 6-on-4 advantage. Their offensive onslaught was not enough to beat Nordström and the Saints' defense. The final buzzer sounded, and the nerves of Saints fans dissipated in elation for the St. Lawrence win!
 

 
"What a great atmosphere in Appleton tonight," said head coach Chris Wells. "We got a few bounces late to keep it 1-0. A real good effort on our power play to get the winner, they stayed on puck and were able to keep control."

Nordström finished with 30 saves, earning her sixth shutout of the year. Michelle Pasiechnyk had 22 saves in the loss.

"There was a lot of very good physical hockey played tonight and we were fortunate to end up with the win," Wells added. "Women's hockey is certainly gaining a lot of momentum and tonight a passionate crowd showed up to see an entertaining game."

The Saints went 1-1 on the power-play, while Clarkson was 0-2.
 
The Scarlet and Brown improved to 19-8-0 overall and 12-3-0 in ECAC play, while Clarkson fell to 23-2-2 and 12-2-1, respectively.
 
The two rivals meet once again, as the Saints will make the short trip down Route 11 to Cheel Arena for a 3 p.m. matchup, tomorrow, January 27.