WATERLOO Ont. - Squaring off for the first time since their quarterfinal match-up in last season's OUA playoffs on Thursday night, the storyline remained unchanged from that series sweep as Laurier was shut out 3-0 by the visiting TMU Bold at the Waterloo Memorial Rec Complex.

Looking to wrap up a three-game homestand to start the 2024/25 season with a win, the Golden Hawks couldn't manage to put one past the Queen's Cup finalists' starting netminder Ryan Dugas, as he stopped all 35 shots he faced for the shutout.

The Bold started strong, with Tyler Savard scoring 4:47 into the game.

Although Laurier battled defensively to keep the puck out of their zone, the purple and gold couldn't establish offensive pressure. The visitors stayed hot and Daniil Grigorev scored with just six seconds left in the opening frame.

Laurier's special teams PK unit shone again though, going a perfect five-for-five and showing they weren't afraid to step up in high-pressure minutes.

Unfortunately, their offensive game couldn't keep up, the Golden Hawks hesitated to take advantage of many scoring chances.

Dugas was a brick wall all game, leaving Laurier goalless - even with the Golden Hawks outplaying the Bold in the final frame.

Tensions rose near the end of the period, setting the table for some 4-on-4 to end the game.

Laurier pulled goalie Ventislav Shingarov from his crease for an extra attacker with just 1:20 left. The attempt was unsuccessful as TMU's Spencer Shugrue secured the visitor's win with an empty net goal, the first tally of his OUA career.

Up Next

Laurier hits the road next week to face the RMC Paladins and Queen's Gaels in Kingston on back-to-back nights. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm Friday.

Follow the action on X at @WLUAthletics or live on OUA.tv