WATERLOO, Ont. - The Golden Hawks hosted the #7-ranked Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday afternoon, which rounded out a trio of games that Laurier head coach Kelly Paton described as a "three-headed monster" - having to face the top three teams in the OUA - Nipissing, Guelph, and Varsity Blues in succession. 

Despite putting up a good fight in all three, they fell short in each for their first losing streak of the season.

The first period was dominated by Laurier. Christina McCulloch opened the scoring with her third of the year just five minutes into the game after converting a sweet pass from Eryn Wolfe behind the net. 

W?? P2 – Acadia Carlson coming through with the big saves!

Golden Hawks | 1@Varsity_Blues | 1#SoarAbove | #WLUvsTOR pic.twitter.com/kqpQ73But4

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) January 27, 2024

The Golden Hawks had several more opportunities in the opening frame, including a slapshot right off the draw by Rylee Crego, however, it was shut down by Varsity Blues starting goalie Erica Fryer. 

The Varsity Blues seemed more prepared in the second period and certainly picked up the pace. 

Just a minute in, Olivia Hilton took a head contact penalty, giving the Golden Hawks a powerplay and the opportunity to increase their lead. Although the purple and gold held pressure and had lots of beautiful set-ups, they couldn't get the puck past Fryer. The Amherstburg, Ont. native entered the game with the OUA's second-best goals against average at 1.41.

Just a few minutes later, Kalie Chan scored her first of the year to put the Varsity Blues on the board and tie things at 1-1. 

The second period continued to provide chances for both teams, including an opportunity for the Varsity Blues to take the lead. The Golden Hawks were caught during a shift change when Toronto rushed toward the Golden Hawks' net, forcing Laurier netminder Acadia Carlson to make some huge saves. 

Shortly after, the Varsity Blues took a slashing penalty. The Golden Hawks had a few close chances, including a pass from Elle Spencer, right in front of Toronto's net, directly to the skate of Ella Jackson. However, she couldn't get a proper shot off. 

Towards the end of the second period, Toronto dominated possession, so much so that the Golden Hawks could not get the puck out of their end. 

However, nothing would come from it and the game remained tied heading into the final frame. 

Just 1:36 into the third period, Taylor Delahey ripped a shot right past Acadia Carlson, allowing Toronto to take the lead on her sixth goal of the year. 

Eight minutes into the period, Toronto's Emma Porter took a roughing penalty, giving the Golden Hawks their fifth and final powerplay of the game. However, once again, the Golden Hawks were unable to make something happen, and the game remained 2-1.

Laurier's powerplay, which still ranks third at 17% went a combined 0 for 10 against the Gryphons and Varsity Blues.

Just over halfway through the period, after a close chance for the Golden Hawks and a pileup in front of Fryer's net, Chan and Spencer were both sent to the box for a two-minute penalty, setting up four-on-four play the rest of the game.

Unfortunately, the Golden Hawks weren't able to use the extra open ice to their advantage and fell short, securing the season series sweep by Varsity Blues.

Three Stars

1st Star: Taylor Delahey, Toronto Varsity Blues – game-winning goal, 1 AST

2nd Star: Christina McCulloch, Laurier Golden Hawks – 1 G

3rd Star: Kalie Chan, Toronto Varsity Blues – 1 G

Up Next

The Golden Hawks look to get back in the win column at home on Thursday night where they will play their down-the-street neighbours the Waterloo Warriors at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. 

The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now!

Follow @WLUAthletics on X for live updates and find all the action live on OUA.tv.