Maciura scores two in the third but can't propel Caps to victory

It was one of their best third periods of the season but the female U18 AAA Central Plains Capitals were unable to come all the way back last night. The Caps dropped a 3-2 contest to the Eastman Selects in their final home game of the season last night.

Central Plains entered the final frame down 2-0 but Sadie Maciura cut the lead in half with seven minutes to go. The Capitals were looking to tie the game up and had a 6-on-4 advantage after pulling their goalie on the power-play. However, this would ultimately backfire as Eastman put home an empty netter.

The Caps still had some fight left in them though, as Maciura tipped a point shot from Courtney Dupuis and trimmed the lead down to one again. Unfortunately for Central Plains, a cross-checking penalty with under two minutes to go kept them on the penalty kill for the rest of the contest.

Capitals forward Liberty Aime says when they work as a team, they can compete with any team in the league.

"I think this shows that we build off each other's success, and we can create a strong front," Aime explains. "Unfortunately, we didn't get the bounces we needed today but I think we stood together as a team and supported everyone from the back to the front."

This game was a special one as the proceeds from the event are all being given back to the Canadian Blood Services. Aime talks about what it's like playing in a game for a great cause.

"It's very special. Not a lot of people get that opportunity, and I think it's a great way to bring awareness. I'm very happy we were able to do that."

Hockey Gives Blood ceremonial puck drop @Eastmanfemale. pic.twitter.com/O5lh0LyypD

— CP U18 AAA Female Capitals (@CPFemaleU18) February 4, 2023

With only two more games left in the regular season, Aime outlines what the team needs to do to ensure they're playing their best hockey when the playoffs begin.

"Making sure that we're playing together and working hard," Aime continues. "We need to leave it all out there every single shift and trust each other to make plays."

The Capitals hit the road to Winnipeg today for a meeting with the Avros at 2:00. The girls will wrap up the regular season against the Westman Wildcats on February 12.