WATERLOO, Ont. – The first edition of this season's highway 7 rivalry didn't disappoint on Thursday night despite the Guelph Gryphons skating away with a 2-1 shootout win over the Golden Hawks.

The Gryphons came into this match-up looking to redeem themselves after a preseason loss to the purple and gold in October - while also looking to expand on back-to-back wins. Meanwhile, the Golden Hawks were looking to avoid its third straight defeat.

Laurier starting goaltender Acadia Carlson and her team stood strong for the entirety of the first period, killing off two penalties. Both teams engaged in hard-fought battles in either zone, yet the game went into the second period tied at zeros.

The second period consisted of back-and-forth puck possession between the two teams as both sought to open the scoring and put their team in front.

As Carlson piled up 21 saves, her team spotted her a lead with just under four minutes remaining in the middle frame when Elle Spencer's shot from the point beat Guelph netminder Martina Fedel five-hole.

The Gryphons, looking for their 10th win of the season, came out strong when just over five minutes into the period, Tori Verbeek and Jaime Magoffin came in on a two-on-one into the Golden Hawk zone while shorthanded. Their quick passes led to Verbeek sneaking one past Carlson to put her team on the board.

The remainder of the third period consisted of many opportunities for both teams, as they looked to get a quick final goal to finish off the game. However, both the Gryphons and the Golden Hawks were unsuccessful in their attempts, pushing the game into a seven-minute, three-on-three overtime.

Overtime came and went with the Gryphons getting five shots on net and the Golden Hawks notching four. 

In the shootout, Guelph shot first as Jaime Magoffin got the first goal on a backhander that got over Carlson. 

Sophia Lombardo was up next for the Golden Hawks yet was unsuccessful in her attempt against Fedel. 

Abby Davies shot next for the Gryphons and stickhandled her way to the second shootout goal for her team. The pressure was on Emily Lange as her team needed a goal to proceed in the shootout. Unfortunately, Fedel saved the shot to secure the win for the visitors.

Laurier associate coach Nik Knezic shone the spotlight on a particular line from Thursday evening, stating, "Dolter, Caleca, and Laliberte were crucial in a shutdown role tonight that they played perfectly. It's not a pretty task but they did a great job defensively".

The Golden Hawks are back at home on Friday night to face the Windsor Lancers. Knezic noted that a "full team effort against Windsor due to back-to-back games" will be needed.

Three Stars

Elle Spencer – Laurier Golden Hawks: her second goal of the season

Abby Davies – Guelph Gryphons: shootout-winning goal

Martina Fedel – Guelph Gryphons: .950% save percentage

Up Next

The Windsor Lancers visit the Golden Hawks at SunLife Financial Arena Friday evening at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now!