The Laurier men’s hockey team is looking to make some noise this year in the OUA standings. After finishing up last season with a playoff loss to the Western Mustangs, the coaching staff and players are hungry for more this season.
“The goal is simple, to win an OUA championship,” Said head coach, Greg Puhalski.
This year’s roster is bolstered with many new recruits from all across Canada that the Golden Hawks are hoping will result in immediate success for the hockey club, starting this season.
“Our first-year guys have played generally well as a group, some a little better than others, but as a whole they’ve done a good job for us and have helped contribute,” said Greg Puhalski.
The OUA Season kicked off for men’s hockey Thursday, October 6, where they dropped their season opener 6-3 to the Ryerson Rams at Mattamy Athletic centre.
Since then, the Golden Hawks have played the York Lions twice, defeating them by a score of 4-3 in their first matchup, but then losing the second game by a goal. The Lions were able to come back after being down 3-0.
The Golden Hawks also managed to defeat the number 7 ranked Guelph Gryphons 5-1, where Schoenmakers picked up a pair of goals.
This currently has the team at a 2-2 record and in a four way tie for third place in the OUA west division.
“We’re not satisfied with our record so far. We need to put together a couple of wins in a row and get a winning streak going to get some momentum as a team,” Puhalski said.
Early on, the team has seen production from some of it’s veteran players, with Derek Schoenmakers and Matt Franczyk leading the way with four points each.
The most notable part of the Golden Hawks play as of late is their ability to defend on the penalty kill.
Through the first four games, the Golden Hawks are 100 percent on the penalty kill, killing off all 11 power plays they have been faced with.
Puhalski’s message for the upcoming game at Western and ultimately the remainder of the season was simple.
“We need to treat every game like it’s our last and have the same high intensity from the start of the game right until the end.”
The Golden Hawks will look to avenge their playoff losses when they face off against the Western Mustangs this Friday at Thompson Recreation and Athletic centre. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.