WATERLOO, Ont. - The Golden Hawks women's hockey team improved to 4-1-1 in the preseason with one tune up game remaining before the official puck drop set for October 8.
Laurier Golden Hawks vs. Ontario Tech Ridgebacks (September 26th)
Final: 4 (WLU) – 2 (ONT)
The Laurier Golden Hawks kept their preseason momentum rolling with a 4–2 comeback victory on the road against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.
Ontario Tech struck first in the opening frame, with goals from Zoe Wilson and Mackenna Krulicki giving the Ridgebacks a two-goal advantage heading into the intermission.
The Golden Hawks responded in the second half of the contest, netting four unanswered goals. Marra Klassen, Kylie Laliberte, Kara De Hoed, and Claire Robinson each found the back of the net to complete the turnaround.
Between the pipes, U SPORTS all-rookie Sarah Howell earned her second preseason win, providing steady goaltending to backstop Laurier's rally.
Laurier Golden Hawks vs. Bishops Gaiters (September 28th)
Final: 2 (WLU) – 1 (BISH)
In a cross-league preseason matchup against the reigning U Sports champions, the Bishop's Gaiters, the Golden Hawks secured their fourth straight win with a tight 2–1 victory on Saturday morning.
Kylie Laliberte opened the scoring for the purple and gold on the power play, with helpers from Claire Robinson and Sydney Brooks. Robinson doubled Laurier's lead just minutes later and notched her second point of the game, while rookie Zoey Dupuis collected her first OUA preseason point with an assist on the goal.
The Hawks carried the two-goal cushion into the third period before Naomi Côté pulled one back for the Gaiters, spoiling what would have been goaltender Kayla Reneaud's second shutout of the preseason. Reneaud still finished strong, turning aside 17 shots to seal the win.
With just two games remaining in preseason play, Laurier will host their Highway 7 rivals, the Guelph Gryphons on Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Laurier Golden Hawks vs. Guelph Gryphons (October 2nd)
Final: 1 (WLU) – 0 (GUE) (SO)
The Laurier Golden Hawks continued their dominant preseason run, notching a fifth consecutive win with a 1–0 shootout victory over the Guelph Gryphons on Thursday night.
After a tightly contested, scoreless affair through regulation and overtime, team captain Hayley Szymanowski delivered the decisive shootout goal to seal the win.
Between the pipes, Kathryn Raitano turned aside all 32 shots she faced, earning her second shutout of the preseason and anchoring Laurier's defensive effort.
The Golden Hawks have one final preseason matchup remaining before opening the regular season against Guelph. They'll face TMU on October 4th at 3:00 p.m.
