ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - After falling to Guelph in their season opener, the Golden Hawks bounced back in a big way Friday night, defeating the Brock Badgers 4-1 to earn their first win of the season.
Laurier struck early, capitalizing twice on a double-minor power play. Captain Hayley Szymanowski (1) opened the scoring, burying a rebound off a shot from Kara den Hoed, before Elle Spencer feathered a pass to Clara Chisholm (1) in the slot to double the Golden Hawks' lead before the first intermission.
The power play continued to be a difference-maker throughout the night for Laurier, as late in the second period, Spencer (1) jammed in a loose puck during a net-front scramble to make it 3–0.
However, Brock managed to respond just minutes later when blueliner Marin Green fired a screened point shot that slipped past goaltender Kayla Renaud, cutting the deficit to two.
In the latter half of the third, Laurier would seal the win when sophomore Abby Glandon (2) deflected a point shot in the slot, scoring her second goal in as many games to put the contest out of reach.
Renaud was solid between the pipes, turning aside 17 of 18 shots faced, while Laurier generated 36 of their own at the other end.
"It was good to see the group respond to some of the things we had addressed before going into this game," said Laurier's manager of women's hockey operations and head coach Kelly Paton.
"We wanted to create offense, and we were obviously able to do that, especially on the power play tonight where we were able to get three."
Paton also emphasized the importance of balanced scoring and sustained momentum.
"We had a few girls getting involved offensively, helping to drive good chances and keeping the momentum going," she added.
With several players contributing across the lineup, Laurier's offense displayed encouraging depth. Chisholm recorded a three-point night (1G, 2A), Spencer added a goal and an assist, and den Hoed now has three assists through two games.
As the team heads into a short break for Thanksgiving weekend, Paton noted the value of rest and recovery.
"It's been a lot of learning in six weeks, both mentally and physically, for the players," she said. "So having a few days to reset with family and friends, and then return on Tuesday with a good attitude and good energy will be helpful for sure."
The Golden Hawks return to action on Friday, Oct. 17, for their home opener against the Nipissing Lakers at the Athletic Recreation Complex. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and tickets are available here.
