Port Moody Panthers Dominate Coquitlam Cougars 3-0 with Okafor's Double and Kim's Game-Winning Goal
Imani Okafor's two goals and a perfect shutout by Daria Vasilieva lift Panthers over Cougars
By Sports Desk
COQUITLAM — The Port Moody Panthers delivered a commanding performance on the road to shut out the Coquitlam Cougars 3-0 in a game that marked a decisive statement in their season. The Panthers overcame relentless pressure from the Cougars, whose 36 shots couldn’t find the net against a stellar effort by goalie Daria Vasilieva, who made 24 saves on the night.
The game’s momentum shifted early when the Panthers’ Hye-jin Kim batted in the first goal, setting the tone and energizing the visiting team. At the 1657 mark, Kim took advantage of a loose puck, slapping it home to break the deadlock. That goal sparked Port Moody’s confident offensive surge.
Imani Okafor emerged as the star of the night, firing 13 shots and scoring twice. Her snap shot goal at the 1800 mark extended the lead, while her wrist shot with assists from Eduardo Rojas and Anika Sorensen sealed the victory at 2526. Okafor’s aggressive style kept the Cougars’ defense off balance throughout.
Goalie Daria Vasilieva was impenetrable, turning aside every one of the Cougars’ 36 attempts, including several key saves on shots from Thomas Dubois and Mai Nguyen, who combined for 19 shots but failed to convert. Vasilieva’s flawless performance was pivotal in maintaining the shutout.
Despite the loss, Coquitlam’s Mai Nguyen was active offensively, recording 11 shots and drawing attention with her tenacity.
Head Coach of the Panthers praised the team’s resilience: “Our offense clicked when it mattered, and Daria gave us the confidence to push hard defensively. That’s the kind of team effort that wins games.”
Panthers’ Hye-jin Kim added, “Getting that first goal was huge. Once we scored, we really controlled the pace. It feels great to contribute and help the team earn this win.”
Key Notes:
- Port Moody Panthers scored 3 goals on 37 shots, shooting at 10.7% efficiency.
- Daria Vasilieva recorded a 100% save percentage with 24 saves for the shutout.
- Imani Okafor led offensive efforts with 13 shots and 2 goals.
- Coquitlam Cougars produced 36 shots but failed to score, ending with 0% shot efficiency.
- Goalie Bruno Costa made 25 saves with an 89.3% save percentage.