The female U-18 AAA Central Plains Capitals were able to snap their five-game losing streak tonight. They took down the Interlake Lightning 3-1. This is now the Capitals third win over the Lightning this year but it didn't come easy.

Less than four minutes into the game, a Lightning defender fired a shot toward the net and hit her teammate's skate in front. After the bounce, the puck found its way past Cassidy Cook giving Interlake the early lead.

Just past the midway point of the first period, the Capitals were short-handed and the Lightning were looking to extend their lead. An Interlake defender was unable to handle a pass and the puck cleared the zone, as the defender skated towards it Emily Planetta zoomed past her and got the puck herself. This led to a breakaway for Planetta who made no mistake about it, sniping the puck high glove side tying the game at one.

Interlake would apply some heavy pressure late in the first and in the first half of the second period but some solid defense and great play from Cook kept the game tied.

With seven minutes left in the second frame, Planetta had the puck behind the Interlake net. Without the opposing goalie noticing, she passed the puck in the slot to Danika Botterill who put the puck past the unsuspecting goaltender. 2-1 Capitals.

Central Plains opened the third period on the power-play and would capitalize quickly. Less than 20 seconds into the period Melayna Drozd scored her fifth goal of the year getting assists from both Kristen Masters and Botterill.

With less than three minutes to go, Interlake was still fighting to get back in this game. They got a breakaway opportunity but it was denied by the left pad of Cook. This brought us to the final score of 3-1.

Head coach John Ferg describes what he liked about the girls' performance.

"The win snaps a five-game losing streak so that's really welcoming," says Ferg. "I liked our game intensity tonight. Somewhere between the end of the first and start of the second, we had a couple of moments where the girls got a spark and turned up the intensity level. It just changed the way we finished the game."

He also talks about how they were able to fight off Interlake's early second-period pressure.

"We were talking this week about defensive zone coverage, making sure we're picking up players and not just chasing pucks," says Ferg. "I think the girls settled into that role a little bit and took away some of the prime scoring opportunities. So, even when Interlake was getting shots on net, they weren't getting second or third opportunities."

The Capitals will have a short window to celebrate as they are back on the ice tomorrow (November 2nd) as the Westman Wildcats invade the BDO Centre.