WOODSTOCK, Ont. - Laurier finished the 2024 portion of its schedule with back-to-back wins after a commanding 4-0 victory over the Brock Badgers on a special partnership night with the Woodstock Wild Girls Hockey Association and United Way Oxford.
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The Golden Hawks started strong in the first period, scoring three goals.
Claire Robinson opened the scoring on the power-play with a rocket from the top of the circle.
Less than two minutes later,
Arielle MacDonald doubled the lead during four-on-four play with a blast from the blue line.
They weren't done there as
Clara Chisholm pounced on the loose puck after a scramble in front and banked it home in the dying seconds of the frame, sending Laurier to the locker room with a strong 3-0 lead.
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While the second period remained scoreless, Laurier continued to control the game, out-shooting Brock 19-8 after 40 minutes.
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The final goal of the contest came early in the third when
Elle Spencer capitalized on another power-play opportunity when she deflected a shot out front.
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Goaltender
Kayla Renaud stood tall for the Golden Hawks, stopping all 12 shots she faced to earn her third shutout of the season.
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The team's defensive and special teams efforts were outstanding, preventing Brock from finding any offensive momentum, with the purple and gold's penalty kill going a perfect three-for-three.
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After the game, MacDonald reflected on her five-point effort over two games, saying, "I think we moved the puck well on the power-play to start, and I think we've played a lot of heads-up hockey."
"In practice, we have been working a lot on shooting with our heads-up, and that's definitely what worked for me today."
The spotlight game, which was the second year in a row that Laurier has participated in it, also left an impression on the team's veteran blueliner and assistant captain.
"It's super inspiring to see all the support women's hockey has gotten over the years, and when we see all the little girls out there, it also hypes us up," said MacDonald. "It was a great atmosphere tonight."
With the victory, Laurier ends the 2024 portion of their season with an 8-5-0-1 record.
They'll be back in action against Guelph in an exhibition hagame on January 6 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus.
The regular season will continue on Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11 when the team travels to the nation's capital to visit Ottawa and Carleton, respectively.Â
Laurier will be back on home ice for the first time in 2025 on Thursday, January 16 to face the Waterloo Warriors. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm and
tickets are available now.Â
