The host team is now 1-1 at the 2017 Esso Cup National Female "AAA" Midget Hockey Championship in Morden after a tough 2-1 loss to the Pacific region representative the St. Albert Slash. 

"We worked hard, but we couldn't bury on the chances that we did have. Other than that I think it was a good game all throughout the game. We stuck to the game plan," said Pembina Valley defence Kaila Powell. "We just came out a little slow."

Despite being outshot 21-4 in the opening period the two teams ended the first period tied at one. 

Mackenzie Hutchinson got the game's first goal with a blast from the point that found the top corner and the host team was up 1-0 after roughly six minutes of play. Toni Conrad and Sage McElroy-Scott drew the assists on the Hawks lone goal.

"I had lots of traffic with a lot of girls in front of the net. I got the shot away, the goalie didn't see it, and it went in," explained Hutchinson.

About ten minutes later Stephanie Markowski tied things up at one with a perfectly placed shot top blocker, just under the bar.

With this being the Hawks second game of the tournament there was more calmness and composure throughout the game.

"We still have nerves, but it's definitely not as bad as the first game. I didn't feel as nervous at least. It's just another hockey game if you think of it. That's what the coaches are telling us," added Powell.

The Slash would get their first and only lead of the game when Makenna Schuttler slid the puck past Halle Oswald, who made 49 saves between the pipes for Pembina Valley. 

"I think she's been stellar. We can't ask for anything else from her. She's our backboard and keeps everything out like we need her to do," said Hutchinson.

Pembina Valley continued to push forward and look for the equalizer, but wasn't able to beat Camryn Drever, who made 28 saves for the Slash in the win. 

Also at the tournament, the Harfangs Du Triolet (2-0) edged the Mid Isle Wildcats (0-2) 4-1 and the Durham West Lightning (1-1) overcame the Prince Albert Bears (0-2) 5-1.

Up next for the Hawks are the Ontario representative Lighting. Puck drop in Morden is 7:00 p.m.

"We need to make sure we are getting shots through and crashing the net is a big thing. We don't need the pretty goals. We need to drive the net and go hard," said Hawks forward Makenzie McCallum.