The Homer Divas took to the road for the first time this year, playing in the intermediate division at the Palmer C Cup Women’s Hockey Tournament.

The Divas first game was against the Healy Coal Queens, who they solidly defeated 5-0. Goals were scored by Ori “Scori” Badajos, who scored two goals, Ingrid Harrald, Karen Weston and Shelly Laukitis. Goalie Michelle Hatton ended the game with a shutout and Harrald received MVP.

For the second game, the Divas played the Anchorage Hockey Ho Ho Ho’s. It was a tough match and after two quick goals by the Ho’s, the Divas found themselves down 2-0 at the end of the first period. Coach Buck Laukitis regrouped the team and the second period saw the Diva’s first goal of the game by Nora Rojek ending the period with a score of 2-1.

Third period was scoreless until Badajos connected with the puck to score, tying the game 2-2 with three minutes left. Both teams battled to end the tie when Diva Karen Westen broke out the puck and faked out the goalie for a goal and a win with less than a minute on the clock. MVP for the game was Weston.
 The Divas were undefeated going into their third game against MTA from Palmer. With one player on injured reserve, the Divas altered their game plan and hit the ice hard. MTA scored early in the first period; however, the second period belonged to the Divas when Emily Hutchison shot a top shelf goal early on, followed by Harrald with a rebound later, ending the second period 2-1 Divas.

The third period, the Divas couldn’t hold onto the lead and MTA scored on a breakaway, tying the game. The final score was 2-2. MVP was defenseman Jessie Cashman.
With a two wins and a tie, the Divas qualified for the championship game against the Hockey Ho Ho Ho’s. The Divas took an early lead with a goal by Kristen Brown in the first period. Harrald also found the net to end the first period 2-0. Things were looking great for the Divas after Hanna Young sniped one past the goalie, making the Diva lead 3-0. They may have relaxed too much and a Ho got a breakaway second period and scored, with the period ending 3-1 Divas.

Third period started with the Ho’s changing goalies, and Young drawing a penalty for tripping. The Divas struggled on the power play and the Ho’s scored their second goal. The Divas held the lead until late in the third period when the Ho’s scored their third goal. The game ended in a tie and went to a shootout. Goalie Michelle Hatton blocked four out of the five Ho shooters, and the Ho’s scored one point. Divas Badajos, Brown, Young, Weston and Laukitis did their best to get around the Ho goalie, but with no luck.

The championship game went to the Ho’s 4-3. Game MVP was Goalie Michelle Hatton. The Divas look forward to claiming the 2014 title.