49 Sports previews the playoff picture ahead of the quest for the McCaw Cup
Toronto, Ont. (via 49 Sports / Thomas Hewitt) – With a scintillating regular season of OUA women’s hockey in the rear-view mirror, it’s finally time to drop the puck on the McCaw Cup playoffs. Of course, the regular season's parity likely won't carry over into the tournament stage. In this sport, juggernauts have established themselves, and have made the task ahead a daunting one.
Still, it’s the playoffs nonetheless and anyone can win. With eight teams in the fold, 49 Sports previews the top three contenders and two teams to keep an eye on this postseason.
Contender – Guelph Gryphons
This season, Guelph has hit new levels. At the beginning and end of the season, they carried out dominant win streaks that nobody dared to stand in the way of. Once the dust settled, Guelph managed 23 wins, beating Waterloo to the West title by 14 points, a truly remarkable feat.
Chemistry is by far the scariest part of this Guelph side, with their top six often having two to three players chipping in significantly on any given night. While Hannah Tait was the only Gryphon who finished in the top five in OUA scoring, Guelph had two other players who recorded over 20 points in Tori Verbeek and Jaime Magoffin.
Since the team also features consistent role players and some shutdown defenders, they're poised to go deep as a well-rounded team. To make matters more difficult for opposing teams, goaltender Martina Fedel owns a 1.04 GAA and .952 save percentage, both tops in the OUA. Guelph finished top of the pack for a reason, and they can, without a doubt, continue that serial winning into the playoffs.
Contender – Nipissing Lakers
Look at any stats in OUA women's hockey in 2023-24. There's a good chance that the Nipissing team or their individual players are near the top. However, that's far from the whole story, as after a blistering start, the Lakers experienced a bit of a downturn in the latter half of the season.
The frequent contributors such as Katie Chomiak and Mallory Dominico found it challenging to hit their stride like at the beginning of the campaign. It hasn't just been losses or struggles against the big teams; however, as Nipissing has also dropped points in games they weren’t expected to. But with the prospect of a new beginning of the postseason, one has to wonder if a boost is on its way.
Either way, the Lakers enter with a chip on their shoulder and will enter the McCaw Cup playoffs with championship aspirations on their mind.
Contender – Toronto Varsity Blues
The Blues are the odd ones out in this group of contenders because they didn't win their division. While that could hurt during the semis and final, at least Toronto can relish home ice in their first series against Queen's.
With an experienced group, primarily of seniors, Toronto is hoping they can make a last ride together memorable. The Varsity Blues have all the tools: Taylor Trussler is a good start, but the Blues' ability to pour on shots and pressure until other teams succumb has allowed them to finish the season strongly. Not to mention netminder Erica Fryer has been excellent between the pipes with her .929 SV%.
All of the pieces are lining up for yet another deep run in the OUA and perhaps the national championship.
Dark Horse – Waterloo Warriors
The Warriors have been slept on for much of the season.
That has come naturally this season based on them being in Guelph's division, but sleeping on the black and gold come playoff time may be a mistake. The exploits of Leah Herrfort have raised the team’s game to new heights, and when coupled with Tatum James, a dominant one-two punch is created.
They know their capabilities. It will take a lot of work to keep their shots out of the net and just as much to find the net against their blueline.
Dark Horse – York Lions
Yes, this is an outside pick as a sleeper. But let's face it: York has been playing playoff games for many weeks.
The team was once bottom-feeders in the East and came all the way back against Ontario Tech and a surging TMU Bold to qualify for the big dance. Playing Nipissing, a team they beat in recent memory, the Lions have a real chance, and the longer it takes the Lakers to score, the more it plays in York's favour.
It might not be a guarantee, but it's more than possible.
