The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women’s ice hockey team delivered a commanding performance on Feb. 8, securing a decisive 5-0 victory over the Carleton University Ravens at home. This marked Laurier’s third consecutive shutout, showcasing both offensive depth and defensive discipline.
With this win, the Golden Hawks completed a series sweep over Carleton and solidified their position in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) standings as they prepare for a critical matchup against the Nipissing University Lakers.
The opening period was a tightly contested battle, with both teams struggling to generate sustained offensive pressure. Laurier’s breakthrough came midway through the period during a power play, as second-year business student Ella Jackson capitalized on a net-front scramble to open the scoring. Just under two minutes later, fourth-year criminology student and captain Hayley Szymanowski doubled the lead with a precise wrist shot off a feed from third-year economics major Kylie Laliberte, who orchestrated an end-to-end rush.
The Golden Hawks entered the first intermission with a 2-0 advantage, setting the tone for their relentless play. Laurier’s dominance continued in the second period, highlighted by a stifling penalty kill and aggressive forechecking that limited Carleton’s opportunities.
Midway through the frame, second-year kinesiology student and defenseman Kamryn Szumlinski notched her first goal of the season, extending the lead to 3-0.
The Golden Hawks’ defense, anchored by rookie goaltender Sarah Howell, maintained composure under pressure, denying Carleton any sustained momentum. Howell’s poised performance included several key saves, preserving her shutout streak.
The final period saw Laurier amplify their offensive output while maintaining defensive rigidity. Jackson netted her second goal of the night, deking past a defender before roofing a backhand shot. First-year health sciences student and forward Marieve Roussel then scored her inaugural OUA goal, picking the corner after regaining possession.
Carleton resorted to dump-and-chase tactics but could not solve Howell, who turned aside all 30 shots for her fourth shutout of the season.
The game underscored Laurier’s balanced attack, with veterans and newcomers alike stepping up. Szymanowski’s leadership shone through her timely scoring and playmaking, while Jackson’s two-goal performance reinforced her role as a clutch offensive threat.
Rookies Szumlinski, Roussel and Howell demonstrated the program’s depth, with Howell earning praise for her composure from head coach Kelly Paton.
“Sarah’s composure under pressure has been instrumental,” Paton said. “Her ability to read plays and communicate with the defense sets the foundation for our success.”
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Paton emphasized areas for improvement, particularly in physical battles. “We addressed the need to ramp up our battle level post-game,” she said. “Against top teams like Nipissing, simplicity and quick decision-making will be critical.”
The Golden Hawks face a quick turnaround against the east-leading Nipissing Lakers, a matchup that will test their ability to execute under playoff-like intensity.
This victory reinforces Laurier’s status as a contender and highlights the program’s ability to develop talent across all roster positions, a formula that could prove decisive in the playoffs.
Contributed Photo/Garrison Oosterhof
