February 25, 2026

Howe’s OT tally sends Herons to SUNYAC Women's Ice Hockey Semifinals

Canton

13-9-4

William Smith

12-14-0

Final	1	2	3	OT	T
Canton 13-9-4	1	0	1	0	2
William Smith 12-14-0	0	1	1	1	3

William Smith Sports Information Department

GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith ice hockey senior captain Kelly Howe scored 56 seconds into overtime as the Herons knocked off SUNY Canton 3-2 in a SUNYAC first-round game at The Cooler this afternoon. With the win, the Herons advance to the semifinals of the conference tournament.

First-year Finley Crosby led William Smith, recording a goal and an assist in the win. Sophomore Bella Hacker had the other Heron goal. Junior Mia Iwicki played just over 59 minutes in goal and had 20 saves.

Molly Lenihan went the distance in goal for Canton. She made 28 saves.

FOR THE RECORD

William Smith improves to 12-14-0 overall this season.
The Roos conclude their season with a 13-9-4 record.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Canton finished the game with a 30-22 edge in shots on goal.
William Smith was 0-for-3 on the power play and did not commit a penalty.

THE WINNER

Howe scored her sixth goal of the season 56 seconds into the extra session. She collected a breakout pass from Tara Valas, broke into the offensive zone all alone and wristed a shot from the high slot over Lenihan's glove to send the Herons home happy.

SCORING SUMMARY

Canton opened the scoring at the 7:11 mark of the first period. Kylah Small collected a pass from Isabella Paswaters in the slot and one-time a shot past Iwicki. Her fifth goal of the season was also assisted by Asha Hanson.
William Smith tied the game at the 2:14 mark of the second period. Crosby picked up a rebound and flipped it past Lenihan. Rowan Kennedy and Laine Heiser had assists on the goal.
The Roos regained a one-goal lead at the 3:03 mark of the third period. On a similar play to their first goal, Riley Andzel found Danika Lalonde in the low slot. Lalonde one-timed the puck past Iwicki for her sixth goal of the season.
Hacker tied the game with 19 seconds remaining in regulation. Following an offensive zone faceoff win, Tara Valas fired a shot from the point that was turned aside by the Canton goalie. Hacker pounced on the rebound and snapped the puck past Lenihan for her team-leading eighth goal of the year, forcing the extra session. Crosby also had an assist on the goal.

UP NEXT
William Smith will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 28, when it takes on Plattsburgh in a SUNYAC semifinal.