BURLINGTON, Ont. - Laurier's manager of women's hockey operations and head coach Kelly Paton was named the OUA's Coach of the Year on Wednesday. She becomes the third head coach in program history to receive the award. 

The 36-year-old from Woodstock, Ont. just completed her sixth season behind the bench of the Golden Hawks, leading Laurier to a four-win and 10-point improvement from a year ago. 

It was also the first time since 2014 (and in Paton's tenure) that the program was nationally ranked, reached a 17-win total, and had only seven regulation losses. 

Laurier also gave up 21 fewer goals this season compared to last.

During the regular season, the purple and gold also had the highest-ranked powerplay (20.9%) and the most powerplay goals in OUA West (23) - which was also the second-most in the entire conference.

The Golden Hawks were the only team to not allow a shorthanded goal this season and one of just two teams to record double-digit wins on the road (10).

"I am truly honored to receive the OUA Coach of the Year award," Paton said. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible student-athletes and staff."

"I'd like to extend my appreciation to our athletic department and the leadership team for their steadfast support of the women's hockey program. I am deeply grateful for the amazing individuals who help bring our collective vision to life."

Having qualified for the postseason for the second year in a row, Laurier were eliminated in the OUA quarterfinals by the Waterloo Warriors in their best-of-three series.

Previous recipients of the OUA's Coach of the Year award from Laurier are Bill Bowker in 2002 and Rick Osborne five consecutive times from 2005 to 2009.