W-HOCKEY ROUNDUP: Windsor upsets No. 7 Laurier 2-1

Friday, October 10

Waterloo 2 @ Windsor 3

The Lancer women's hockey team opened the 2014-15 season with pair of wins over the Waterloo Warriors and No. 7 Laurier Golden Hawks this weekend at South Windsor Arena.
 
Windsor defeated the visiting Waterloo Warriors 3-2 in their OUA season opener on Friday night and followed that up with a solid 2-1 win over the ranked Hawks.
 
On Friday, captain Kayla Dodson scored with just 1:32 left in regulation to lift the Lancers over the Warriors to give them their first win of the season.
 
Marissa Kozovski was solid in net for the Blue & Gold with 30 saves, while Dodson finished the game with a goal and an assist.
 
Midway through the first period, third year forward Jillian Rops scored on a breakaway on Warrior goaltender Rebecca Bouwhuis. Dodson was credited with the assist.
 
With Windsor holding a one goal lead heading into the second period, Waterloo's Rachel Marriott scored the Warriors first of the game when she found herself wide open in front of the net at 6:39 of the frame.
 
Waterloo took advantage of a Natalie Barette penalty early in the third period, scoring on the power play with a goal that was questioned by Lancer head coach Jim Hunter.
 
The goal stood but the visitors did not hold the lead for long as Candace Kourounis scored 9:45 to once again tie the game. Then with 1:32 to go in the third period, Dodson fired a shot from the blue line and got the game winning goal with assists from Shailyn Waites and Kourounis.

Source: Windsor Lancers

Saturday, October 11

York 1 @ Guelph 3

Guelph, Ont. – The Guelph Gryphon women's hockey team defeated the York Lions 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at the Gryphon Centre in the season opener for both teams.  Despite the fact that the Gryphons were dominating puck possession early on, they would find themselves trailing after Tonisha Maisonneuve (North Bay, Ont.) opened the scoring for York at the 7:28 mark of the first period.  Guelph was quick to respond however, tying things up less than two minutes later.  A power play goal from Averi Nooren (Aylmer, Ont.) meant things were tied at 1-1 after the opening period.

In the 2nd, the Gryphons power play unit would once again find the back of the net.  Christine Grant (Mississauga, Ont.), a 2nd team OUA All Star a season ago, would score her first goal of the 2014-2015 season to put Guelph ahead 2-1 heading to the final period.  That is when the fans at the Gryphon Centre would get their first look at one of the promising rookies on this Gryphons roster.  First year forward Mackenzie Wong (Surrey, B.C.) would be sent in all alone early on in the 3rd period and would make no mistake, going top corner to put Guelph up 3-1.  From there, All-Star goalie Stephanie Nehring (Oshawa, Ont.) would do the rest.  Nehring turned away 31 of the 32 shots sent her way in the game.

The Gryphons will hit the ice again on Wednesday October 15th against the Ryerson Rams with the puck set to drop at 7:30 p.m. in Toronto.

Source: Guelph Gryphons

Source: Queen's Gaels

Laurentian 2 @ UOIT 4

OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT women's hockey team opened up OUA conference play on Saturday afternoon with a 4-2 victory over the Laurentian Voyageurs.

With UOIT holding a 3-0 lead in the third period, Laurentian managed to make things close as they scored back-to-back goals 34 seconds apart to get within one with eight minutes left in the game. However, Laurentian would get a little too risky with the man advantage as they pulled their goalie with over seven minutes on the clock. Laura Marchese (Burlington, Ont.) would make Laurentian's coaching staff second guess their decision as she fired the puck down the ice and into the empty net, giving UOIT a 4-2 advantage.

Despite playing the rest of the game with Laurentian's net empty, neither team was able to score with the game ending up 4-2 in favour of the Ridgebacks.

At the other end of the ice, UOIT goaltender Cassie Charette (Ottawa, Ont.) looked sharp as she stopped 23 shots on goal.

Freshman Mariah Wilson (Cobourg, Ont.) would end up with two points on the night, as she scored her first career OUA goal and added an assist. Assistant captain Mikaeli Cavell (Edmonton, Alta.) would also have a two-point night as she recorded two helpers. UOIT other goal scorers included Nicole LoPresti (Hamilton, Ont.) and Sam Forchielli (Hamilton, Ont.).

Saturday's game marked Melissa Berney's 100th conference game.

UOIT will be back at it on Sunday afternoon as the Ridgebacks host the Nipissing Lakers. Puck drop at the Campus Ice Centre is 3:30 p.m.

Source: UOIT Ridgebacks

Waterloo 3 @ Western 4 (OT)

LONDON, Ont. – The Western Mustangs trio of Ali Beres, Tia Kipfer, and Katie Hubert proved that even though this afternoon marked the first time the three suited up in Mustangs uniforms in regular season action, the newcomers are a force to be reckoned with.
 
The three recorded a goal each in the women's hockey team's 4-3 overtime win over the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday afternoon at Thompson Arena. Along with the offensive firepower from some of the team's newest recruits, veteran Katelyn Gosling added a goal and two assists to contribute to the purple and white victory.
 
"I thought our last 10 minutes was our best, that's always good going into the next game to finish on a strong note," said Mustangs head coach Chris Higgins. "That team is very disappointed they thought they had the game in hand."
 
Today's win marks the Mustangs first victory in the regular season and gives the team a 1-0-0 record in the OUA standings, while the Warriors move to a 1-1-2 record on the season so far.
 
The Mustangs encountered some tough luck in the first period as they were able to control the play, but were unable to control the scoreboard. Despite keeping the puck in the Warriors end of the ice, it was Waterloo's Rachel Marriott who got to the score sheet first after putting the puck past Mustangs goaltender Kelly Campbell almost half way through the period.
 
Western continued to work hard and generate shots on Warriors goaltender Stephanie Sluys, and it was Beres who put the Mustangs onto the board with a goal at the seventeen-minute mark to even up the game. But the tough luck continued for the Mustangs as the Warriors Rebecca Rutherford responded quickly, picking up a loose puck at centre ice to take it deep into Mustangs territory and past Campbell to give Waterloo a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
 
The Mustangs continued to put shots on net in the second frame, working diligently to cut the Warriors one goal lead, and that hard work paid off when Gosling found the back of the net to tie the game up 2-2 13 minutes into the period. The even score did not last long however, as Marissa Redmond responded just over 30 seconds later with another Warriors goal to take back the lead.
 
Although the Mustangs were down by one heading into the third period of the contest, the purple and white began to play aggressively with the Warriors, battling it out to prove just who wanted the win more. Late into the period Kipfer netted the game-tying Mustangs goal with less than five minutes remaining in the third.
 
With an even 3-3 score, the two teams headed back onto the ice for a five minute, four-on-four overtime period. But the Mustangs didn't need the whole five minutes as Hubert scored over one minute into the overtime action. Hubert put the puck past Sluys to end the game then and there with her game-winning goal, and to bring home the first regular season victory for the Mustangs.
 
"This team has really meshed more than any team I've ever been on, and that's really contributed to our team's success," said Hubert.
 
Western doesn't have long to reflect on their victory as they'll return to the ice on Sunday afternoon for a 4 p.m. matchup with the Laurier Golden Hawks at Thompson Arena.

Source: Western Mustangs

Ryerson 0 @ Toronto 2

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Ryerson Rams 2-0 in their 2014-15 season and home opener on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 11) at Varsity Arena.

Veteran forwards Sonja Weidenfelder and Alie Brind'Amoure-McClure both notched powerplay goals for Toronto, with 2013-14 CIS all-Canadian goaltender Nicole Kesteris posting 14 saves in the shutout win.

Third-year forward Taylor Day (Ilderton, Ont.) had a great chance to score seven minutes into the game but could find the mesh on the short side.  Jacqueline Scheffel and Becki Bowering found themselves on a 2-on-1 chance towards the end of the first, but Ryerson netminder Alex Armstrong was there to make the save. The game remained scoreless after 20 minutes of action.

The Rams had a good chance when Michelle Evagelou and Chloe Richardson found themselves on a 2-on-1 of their own, but 2014 CIS all-Canadian goalie Nicole Kesteris was there to make the save. The Day, Sonja Weidenfelder, Kristi Riseley line peppered Armstrong with shots towards the end of the second period, but to no avail, 0-0 heading into the third.

U of T rookie Julia Szulewska came out of the penalty box and forced a turnover, sending Scheffel on a breakaway in the first minute of the third. Armstrong stood tall and came up with the save.

Ryerson found themselves in penalty trouble and the Blues finally opened the scoring on the powerplay four minutes into the third frame. Weidenfelder buried a Stacey Oue point shot for what would be the eventual game-winner.

That sparked both team's intensity levels and Kesteris stepped up with a big toe save two minutes later.

Toronto extended their lead on another powerplay opportunity when an Amanda Ricker rebound found Alie Brind'Amour McClure all alone at the side of the net. The Waterdown, Ont., native made no mistake burying her first of the season.

The Blues successfully killed off a Ryerson 6-on-4 advantage for 1:11 and came away with the win.

Source: Toronto Varsity Blues

Laurier 1 @ Windsor 2

On Saturday, rookie forward Krystin Lawrence scored the game winning goal with just four minutes in regulation to give the host their second win in as many games.
 
Earlier in the day, Lawrence put in a solid performance in net for the Lancer women's soccer team leading them to a 5-1 win over the Brock Badgers.
 
Candice Chevalier scored the other Lancer goal while Heather Platt score Laurier's lone marker.
 
It was a closely contested contest as each team managed 28 shots on net with both goalies keeping the score close. Kozovski  picked up the win in net for the Lancers making one more save than Laurier's Amanda Smith.

Source: Windsor Lancers

Sunday, October 12

York 4 @ Brock 1

The Brock Badgers Women's Hockey team opened its 2014-15 regular season with a 4-1 loss to the York Lions, Sunday afternoon at the Seymour-Hannah Centre in St. Catharines.  

York would open a 3-0 first period lead on goals from Stephanie Dovaston, Caitlin Lee and Lisa Stathopolous.  

Fourth year forward Laura Neu would score the lone Badgers goal 3:37 into the second period.

Rianna Langford closed out the scoring for the Lions in the third period.  

Megan Lee made 40 saves for the win as Brock outshot York 41-26 overall.  Stephanie Loukes took the loss.

The Badgers were 0-for-7 on the powerplay, while the Lions were 0-for-2.

Source: Brock Badgers

Laurentian 0 @ Queen's 6

KINGSTON, Ont. - The No.3 women's hockey team earned a commanding 6-0 win on Sunday afternoon against the Laurentian Voyageurs at the Memorial Centre.

The Gaels dominated play in the first frame, outshooting the Voyageurs 11-2. Queen's opened the scoring halfway through the first on a powerplay tally from winger Taryn Pilon (Peterborough, Ont.). The Gaels doubled their lead as the period came to a close, when Mary Coughlin (Amherstburg, Ont.) found the back of the net for her first of the season.

Queen's wasted no time adding to their lead as two quick goals from Fiona Lester (Peterborough, Ont.) and Kyla Crouse (Mount Brydges, Ont.) put Queen's ahead 4-0 early in the second. Lester's goal is her first as a Gael since arriving at Queen's from Laurier.

Pilon added another powerplay marker in the third, giving her two goals in the game and four over the weekend. Alisha Sealey (Elora, Ont.) also added a goal of her own, on which rookie Addi Halladay (North Augusta, Ont.) provided an assist to pick up her first point at the OUA level, as the Gaels went on to complete the 6-0 victory.Pilon led all skaters with four points, while Sealey compiled three.

Goaltender Stephanie Pascal (Sudbury, Ont.) earned the 21 save shutout in her first start for Queen's, while Laurentian's Laura Deller stopped 33 pucks in the losing effort.  Final shots for the game totalled 39-21 in favour of Queen's.

The Gaels (2-0-0) return to action Friday at noon in front of over 1,200 school kids to celebrate UN Day of the Girl when they take on the York Lions (0-1-0) at the K-Rock Centre.

Source: Queen's Gaels

Nipissing 4 @ UOIT 1

OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT women's hockey team dropped the back end of their weekend home stand as the Nipissing Lakers earned a 4-1 victory over the Ridgebacks.

UOIT was only able to register one goal that came with under two minutes to go in the third period. Zoe Battie (Nanaimo, B.C.) broke the Lakers' shutout, with Gillian Morgan (Ajax, Ont.) picking up an assist on the play.

Nipissing scored four times, including two goals by Brittany Cargo in the second period, as Lakers earned their second win of the year. Lakers forward Kaley Tienhaara recorded two-assists in the win, as she currently leads all OUA scorers with six points.

2014 CIS All-Canadian Tori Campbell (Saskatoon, Sask.) got the start in goal for UOIT, but allowed four goals on 17 shots and was pulled in favour of Cassie Charette (Ottawa, Ont.) in the third period. Jacqueline Rochefort was solid in net for Nipissing as she stopped 19 of 20 UOIT shots on goal.

Special teams did not play a factor in the final score as both power play units went 0-for-6.

UOIT will head out on the road next weekend as they take on the York Lions on Sunday, October 19. Both teams are 1-1-0 to start the season.

Source: UOIT Ridgebacks

Laurier 2 @ Western 1 (SO)

LONDON, Ont. – The Western Mustangs women's hockey team wrapped up their season opening weekend with a physical contest against the Laurier Golden Hawks that saw Laurier come away with a 2-1 shootout victory on Sunday afternon at Thompson Arena. 
 
"I think we played excellent. We deserved better, we had a lot of chances and hit a couple posts but when you go to a shootout its 50-50 and so we are very happy with how we played," said Mustangs head coach Chris Higgins.
 
The Laurier victory gives the Mustangs their first loss of the regular season after the purple and white picked up a win over the Warriors on Saturday. With the loss, the Mustangs now hold a 1-0-1 record in the OUA standings, while the Golden Hawks advance to a record of 3-1-0 on the season so far.
 
In the first period the Mustangs battled hard against the Golden Hawks who proved to be an aggressive opponent on the ice. The Mustangs looked slow to the puck throughout the period but were able to hold their own against the Golden Hawks, outshooting them seven to four throughout the period.
 
Although the Mustangs created some scoring opportunities throughout the first period, they were unable to put themselves onto the scoreboard. They weren't the only ones having trouble putting points on the board though as Mustangs goaltender Kelly Campbell kept the Golden Hawks from finding the score sheet, sending the game into the first intermission tied 0-0.
 
Both teams came onto the ice strong in the second period looking to take control of the play. The Mustangs brought their physical sides into the second frame in an attempt to counter the aggressive play from the Golden Hawks.
 
Early on in the second frame Western found itself in penalty trouble as Brittany Clapham and Brianna Iazzolino were sent off for body checking and cross checking respectively. The Golden Hawks made the most of their 5-on-3 advantage, and it was Laurier's Jessica Prevette who put the puck past Campbell to give the visitors a 1-0 lead just over four minutes into the period.
 
After a very physical second period between the two rival teams, the Mustangs hit the ice determined to tie things up. Just a minute into the third Cassidy Gosling converted assists from Katelyn Gosling and Iazzolino to tie the game with her first goal of the season.
 
The Mustangs continued their momentum all the way through the period but were unable to take the lead, sending the contest into a five-minute, four-on-four overtime period.
 
With the two teams both battling fiercely to take home the win, the overtime period was filled with back and forth action being played at both ends of the ice. Neither team was able to secure the win before the clock ran down, meaning that Sunday's game would be decided via shootout.
 
In the shootout rounds both Campbell and Laurier netminder Nicholle Kovach blocked shot after shot, turning aside opposing shooters. However, it was Laurier's Laura Brooker that managed to find the back of the net first, as she flipped the puck into the top right corner to give the Golden Hawks a 2-1 win.
 
"We felt we had been controlling the game. They got their goal in a five-on-three and that really was one of the only chances they had. We thought we were in control and we had some great chances but kudos to their goalie she made some saves," added Higgins.
 
The Mustangs will return to the ice Saturday, October 18, to face-off against the Windsor Lancers at Western's Thompson Arena. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.

Source: Western Mustangs