The Golden Hawks ringette team kicked off their season with an impressive performance at the Mississauga Ringette Tournament, battling through tough competition and finishing with a gold medal.
The Hawks had a busy start to their tournament on Friday, November 29. First up, they faced off against McMaster and delivered a commanding 6-1 victory. The team played a strong all-around game, with great goaltending and key defensive plays throughout. In their next match, Laurier took on Western in a hard-fought contest. Despite giving it their all, the Hawks came up short with a 4-2 loss. The game highlighted some standout goaltending that kept the team in it, with some incredible saves and non-stop effort throughout. With plenty of motivation for the next day, the Hawks were eager to get back on the ice for their Saturday matchups against Trent and Brock.
Saturday, November 30 proved to be a day full of triumph for the Hawks. First, Laurier faced Trent and came away with a hard-fought 4-3 victory. The team showed great grit and determination, especially during a crucial penalty kill that turned the momentum in their favor. Next, the Hawks took on Brock and dominated the game, coming out with a 7-2 win. The offensive effort was stellar, with multiple players contributing to the scoring, including a standout performance with a hat trick. But it wasn't just the offense that shone – the team's overall execution and playmaking were on point throughout.
With two big wins under their belt, Laurier was ready for the Sunday, December 1 semi-finals against Guelph, where they came away with a 6-3 victory. The team's defensive effort was outstanding, and they capitalized on key moments to secure the win. Then it was time for the finals, where Laurier took on the Western Mustangs. The Hawks were dominant throughout the game, securing a 5-1 victory to clinch the gold medal. Their defense was rock solid, and goaltending was exceptional, with key saves that kept Western at bay and nearly earned a shutout.
The Golden Hawks proved their resilience, skill, and teamwork throughout the weekend, finishing with the gold medal and an unforgettable start to their season. Next up, the Golden Hawks travel to Lethbridge, Alberta, for the University Challenge Cup from December 27 to December 31.