Canton has always been a power in girls’ hockey, but despite the loss of superstar Brittany Lyons to graduation, the Bulldogs still gave the Lady Dragons their toughest game of the year.

Although they were being dominated in the first two minutes of action, it was Canton that got off the first testing shot of the game, forcing goaltender Julia Hannon to come up with the first of what would be many saves in registering her third shutout of the year.

It was bad enough that the Lady Dragons had to take on an experienced Bulldog squad, but to be shorthanded for 4:30 of the first period made it difficult for Coach Friend Weiler’s squad to mount any kind of offense.

Duxbury looked like it had its first serious scoring bid in the opening minute of the second period. However, sophomore Molly O’Sullivan was robbed by Canton goalie Kelly White as she attempted to finish off a 2-on-1 break.

Just 25 seconds later the Bulldogs went on their fourth power-play of the game, only to have their man advantage end with 16 seconds remaining.

It was now Duxbury’s turn to play with a man up, and they didn’t waste the opportunity, as sophomore Brianna Connolly kept charging the net trying to shovel a shot past White. Linemate Kaitlin Sullivan took advantage of Connolly’s work, poking a rebound past the Canton netminder for what proved to be the game winner.

A Duxbury power-play with 4:15 to go in the period almost proved costly, as Canton’s Jackie Rooney broke in alone on Hannon and couldn’t put it past the veteran junior. Rooney’s rush gave a burst of adrenalin to the rest of the Bulldog lineup, as Alicia DiCenzo bore in from her left wing slot but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Duxbury defense played superbly in the final 15 minutes, as they came to the aid of Hannon on several occasions. But a point blank shot by Vicky O’Brien at the 9:06 mark and an O’Brien break-away with 2:29 left in the game were solely on the shoulders of Hannon, who came up big once again.

On Wednesday night the Lady Dragons will attempt to keep their unbeaten streak alive when they travel to Boston to take on Boston Latin Academy at 8:15 at Matthews Arena. The arena is the home ice of Northeastern University and is located on St. Botolph Street off of Massachusetts Ave.