Hurtubise, McKinnon named OUA athletes of the week

Graphic on predominantly blue background featuring action photo of Concordia Stingers men?s hockey player Nikolas Hurtubise and Toronto Varsity Blues women?s hockey player Lyla McKinnon along with the OUA Athletes of the Week logo and large white 'Athletes of the Week' text in the lower third
March 17, 2025

Burlington, Ont. – Nikolas Hurtubise and Lyla McKinnon have been named OUA athletes of the week for the period ending March 16, 2025. 

Nikolas Hurtubise, Concordia Stingers, Hockey

Hurtubise was sharp between the posts on Saturday evening to help the Concordia Stingers capture their first OUA Queen’s Cup title, 4-1 over the TMU Bold in Toronto. The second-year netminder for the Stingers stopped 36 of the 37 shots he faced in the championship game.

He was a force to be reckoned with, holding the TMU Bold off the scoresheet until late in the third period. He held off the Bold’s final push allowing his teammates to lock up the OUA finale with two late goals.

Hurtubise, from Mirabel, Que., was named player of the game for his efforts. He was also awarded an OUA second-team all-star nod for his impressive play this season.

The Stingers will be back on the road, this time for the U SPORTS BioSteel University Cup in Ottawa, where they were awarded the third seed and will face the Université de Moncton on Friday.

Lyla McKinnon, Toronto Varsity Blues, Hockey  

McKinnon delivered another outstanding performance on Saturday, stifling the Waterloo Warriors offence en route to a 3-2 McCaw Cup victory for the Toronto Varsity Blues. Stepping into the starting role for U of T in her very first season, McKinnon provided incredible consistency.

During the gold medal match this past weekend, she held the Warriors scoreless through two periods, allowing Toronto to build a three goal lead. Facing intense pressure through the final period, McKinnon conceded two goals, but made several timely saves in the closing minutes to keep the Blues ahead and secure the 26 save win. McKinnon was named the championship player of the game for her efforts.

The Varsity Blues head to the Miller Waste Systems U SPORTS Championship this week where they secured the second seed and will face the UNB Reds on Friday, in Elmira, Ont.