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Beauts hit three-quarters mark with huge opportunity

Game 12

Buffalo Beauts (7-4-0) vs Boston Pride (8-3-0)

Puck Drop: 1:30PM Saturday, January 26 | HarborCenter | Buffalo, NY

TV: Saturday: Twitter Game of the Week

Know Your Opponent

Boston Pride

Record: (8-3-0) | 16 PTS

Last 10: 7-3

League Standings: 2nd Overall

PP: 1st (21.9%)

PK: 2nd (89.7%)

What to Watch

1. Jump in the line

The Beauts have been awaiting the opportunity to advance in the standings for months, and they have that chance against Boston on Saturday. After their matchup with the Riveters was postponed due to weather last weekend, the Pride sit in second place, just two points up on Buffalo.

A win would propel the Beauts into second place – tied in points, but holding a 3-1 season series advantage. This was exactly what the team set its sights on amidst the late November coaching change. In that time, Buffalo has lost only one game, and has outscored opponents 18-4, including a dominant 5-0 over Boston just three weeks ago.

2. Fresh faces

Barring the surprise announcement, it is expected that former Minnesota Golden Gopher and national champion Jordyn Burns will take the ice for the first time this season on Buffalo’s blue line.

Though this is her season debut, Burns has 30 NWHL games under her belt, with four assists in that time. Burns will certainly have a tough task against the Pride; Boston is one of the deepest scoring teams in the league – any line combination is a dangerous one.

Coach Cody McCormick is confident that Burns is up to the task. “She’s absolutely ready for the transition. Her habits in practice and her overall attitude is tremendous. We have a lot of confidence as a group going in – with all of our players. The way that Jordyn Burns conducts herself in practice, and her work ethic – it’s well-welcomed in a game.”

3. Building a nation

Nine of the players taking the ice on Saturday will come together to represent Team USA in an exhibition series against Hockey Canada. First timers Hayley Scamurra and Savannah Harmon will join teammates Emily Pfalzer and Dani Cameranesi in red, white, and blue.

Boston sends five players to the squad, including Gigi Marvin, Amanda Pelkey, Haley Skarupa, Dana Trivigno, and Katie Burt.

Buffalo Beauts

Forwards

Hayley Scamurra-Maddie Elia-Dani Cameranesi

Emily Janiga-Kelly Babstock-Juliana Iafallo

Corinne Buie-Annika Zalewski-Taylor Accursi

Defense

Blake Bolden-Emily Pfalzer

Lisa Chesson-Savannah Harmon

Jordyn Burns-Jacquie Greco

Starting Goaltender: Shannon Szabados