THUNDER BAY, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks extended their winning streak to a season-high four games as they defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves 3-1 on Saturday night.

Laurier took all four points available in the two critical back-to-back games against the Thunderwolves, who now sit just one point above them in the standings. It was also just the third time in the past 22 seasons that Laurier has swept the road trip weekend in Thunder Bay.

Vensislav Shingarov was in between the pipes to back-stop the Golden Hawks to their second win over Lakehead in as many nights. He stopped 36 of 37 Lakehead shots. 

Like on Friday, Lakehead opened the scoring. Lakehead defenseman Colin Van Den Hurk found Nicolas Digrazia down low on the powerplay, who beat the Laurier netminder 

The Golden Hawks struck back just minutes later on a power play of their own. Third-year defenseman Declan Graham let go a shot that found its way through traffic and into the back of the net for his first goal of the season. 
 

M?? P1 - Declan Graham ties the game for the Golden Hawks on the power play!@laurierhockey | 1@lakeheadtwolves | 1#SoarAbove | #WLUvsLAK pic.twitter.com/NR6NSxnbdF

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) January 14, 2024

The game would remain tied until another Golden Hawk powerplay halfway through the second period. Isaac Sooklal released a one-timer from Conor Ali and found twine to give the purple and gold their first lead of the game.
 

M?? P2 - Isaac Sooklal lets go a howitzer and the purple and gold take the lead!@laurierhockey | 2 @lakeheadtwolves | 1#SoarAbove | #WLUvsLAK pic.twitter.com/3v9JEMwDpK

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) January 14, 2024

Less than a minute later, at 10:32 in the middle period, Patrick Brown put home a rebound to pad the Golden Hawk lead for his fourth goal in three games.

M?? P2 - Patrick Brown puts home a rebound to give the Golden Hawks some insurance!@laurierhockey | 3@lakeheadtwolves | 1#SoarAbove | #WLUvsLAK pic.twitter.com/1luvBrnySa

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) January 14, 2024

Shots in the second and third periods heavily favoured the Thunderwolves, but Shingarov stood tall and stopped 29 shots between the two frames. 

Plus + Patrick Brown 

Brown struggled to find his way onto the score sheet at the beginning of the year. He had just a goal and an assist through Laurier's first seven games. Since then, Brown has turned up the heat as he has picked up points (7 goals and 5 assists) in 11 of his last 14 games. His ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for his teammates has been critical in Laurier's recent success. 

Plus + Goaltending

This Golden Hawk netminder duo is something special. It is no secret that we at Laurier Athletics are a part of the Christian Propp fan club, however, Ventsislav Shingarov shines in each opportunity he gets. 

Though the rookie netminder has only made four starts, Shingarov has looked phenomenal. He boasts a 2-1-1 record with a 0.929% save percentage. In his appearance against Concordia, Shingarov set a Laurier record for saves in a game (66). 

Up Next: 

The Golden Hawks (8-11-2) look to build on their win streak on Thursday evening when they visit the TMU Bold (13-6-1). 

If you can't be at the game, follow the action on X (formerly Twitter) at @WLUAthletics or live on OUA.tv