Lapenna, Mark named OUA athletes of the week

Graphic on predominantly blue background featuring action photo of Ottawa Gee-Gees Franky Lapenna and Waterloo Warriors Kara Mark along with the OUA Athletes of the Week logo and large white 'Athletes of the Week' text in the lower third
March 24, 2025

Burlington, Ont. – Franky Lapenna and Kara Mark have been named OUA athletes of the week for the period ending March 23, 2025. 

Franky Lapenna, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Hockey

Lapenna had an incredible weekend between the posts for the Ottawa Gee-Gees leading them to their first U SPORTS University Cup title. Ottawa’s run to the championship started with a thrilling win over the UNB Reds, the defending champions 3-2 win in overtime. The netminder from Laval, Que. stopped 41 of the 43 shots he faced to earn player of the game honors.

He backed up that performance blocking 30 of 33 shots that came his way in the Gee-Gees 4-3 semifinal win over the TMU Bold to punch their ticket to the championship game.

Lapenna and the Gee-Gees capped off their Cinderella run to the gold medal game, as the host and No. 8 seed with a 3-2 victory over the Concordia Stingers to capture their first men’s hockey national championship in front of an ecstatic home crowd. Lapenna had 31 saves in the contest including 17 in the third period to hold off the Stingers late push. His performance over the weekend earned him tournament MVP honours. 

Kara Mark, Waterloo Warriors, Hockey

Mark was outstanding in net at the 2025 U SPORTS women’s hockey Championship, backstopping the Waterloo Warriors to a historic silver medal in front of a home crowd in Elmira, Ont.

She opened the tournament with a flawless 22 save shutout to help Waterloo secure the 3-0 win over Alberta.

The third-year goalie from New Hamburg, Ont. followed up her opening game performance with a 26 save, .963 save percentage performance in the Warriors 5-1 semifinal win over the Concordia Stingers.

In the gold medal game against the Bishop’s Gaiters, Mark only allowed two goals. She stopped 26 attempts from the Gaiters, boasting a .929 save percentage. Her performance through the championship tournament was superb, capping off a fantastic season between the pipes for the Warriors with a silver medal around her neck.