WATERLOO, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks opened their season with a loss in the Battle of Waterloo, falling 3-2 in a nail-biter against their neighbours from down University Avenue. 

The Golden Hawks' opening night roster featured eight new recruits. 

Waterloo's Max Neill opened up the scoring after a tipped point shot from Brendan Bowie passed Laurier's Christian Propp on a powerplay five and a half minutes into the first period. 

Waterloo struck again on the powerplay to extend the lead six minutes later. Jesse Fishman potted his first career OUA goal on the rebound of a point shot, this time coming from Connor Lovie. 

Waterloo outshot the Golden Hawks 14-4 in the first period.

The second period opened with Laurier cutting into Waterloo's two-goal lead before the ice dried from the flood. Tyler Davis tipped the puck from a Declan Graham shot past Waterloo's Dan Murphy just 15 seconds into the frame. Laurier rookie Thomas Lenart acquired his first OUA point on the play.

Six minutes later on a powerplay, Laurier's Sam Rhodes used his speed to fly into Waterloo's zone and then sent a cross-crease pass to third-year Sullivan Sparkes who fired the equalizer into the back of the net. Rookie Isaac Sooklal picked up his first OUA point on the play. 

Laurier had a couple of quality chances to gain the lead on powerplays, but they were unable to capitalize and headed into the final frame even at two. 

The third period was a battle, but Waterloo found the back of the net first. Waterloo's Cole Fraser tipped another point shot from Lovie past Propp to gain the lead twelve minutes 

Laurier pushed back but could Murphy shut the door, stopping all 13 shots that came his way in the third period.

Propp put up a valiant effort, stopping 37 of 40 shots that he faced on the night. 

Laurier's penalty kill began 0-2 but finished the game 3 for 5. Their powerplay was successful on one of their seven attempts.

Up Next:

The Golden Hawks will look for their first win in Saturday's home opener when they host the Western Mustangs at the Waterloo Memorial Rec Complex. The puck drops at 7 p.m. 

Tickets are on sale now! 

You can also follow the action on Twitter @WLUAthletics or watch it live on OUA.tv.