A tough pre-holiday schedule continues for the York University Lions women's hockey team, who come off their first win of the season into two match-ups against the No. 2 nationally ranked Toronto Varsity Blues this weekend.
The Match-up: No. 2 Toronto Varsity Blues (4-1-0) vs. York Lions (1-5)
Game Details
Friday, Nov. 26 @ 7pm at Toronto, OUA.tv
Saturday, Nov. 27 @7:15pm at York, OUA.tv
Current Streak
York – Won 1
Toronto – Won 1
Home/Road Splits
York – 0-3 at home, 1-2 on road
Toronto – 2-0 at home, 2-1 on road
Last Meeting
York's most recent meaningful game against the Blues is widely considered the biggest game in Lions women's hockey program history – a 3-2 loss to Toronto in front of 1,510 in the McCaw Cup final at Varsity Arena. Despite the result, York won an OUA silver medal and qualified for the U SPORTS championship for the first time in their history.
QUICK FACTS
York
- Not only did the Lions win their first game of the season last Saturday against Ontario Tech, but they broke out with a high degree of offence. They flew out of the gate and earned seven of the game's first nine shots and ended up outshooting the Ridgebacks 40-16.
- Despite their dominance, it took two and a half periods for the Lions to break through, and when they did, they earned two goals. Caroline Eagles broke the ice with her first of the year at 8:35, then Julia Cuccia earned her first career OUA goal to seal the game at 19:47.
- After not playing in the home contest against Ontario Tech, head coach Dan Church switched up the defensive lineup by inserting Kailey Lapensee and Rebecca Lopes into the defensive parings.
- A long-time Lion hit a major milestone during the game, registering her 100th game played as a member of York's women's hockey program. The next closest active Lion in games played is forward Brooke Anderson, who has 78 games.
Toronto
- Toronto has shown their prowess as a nationally ranked team this year, earning wins in four of their five contests. The most recent contest was a 4-1 win over the No. 10 nationally ranked Rams, limiting a legitimate OUA contender to just 12 shots.
- While Toronto is second in goals for amongst the entire OUA, they don't have any players over five points. The catch? 16 of their players are on the scoresheet this year, showcasing tremendous depth.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
York
Julia Cuccia: First-year forward … Just scored first OUA goal in 2-0 win over Ontario Tech on Nov. 20 … A strong forward who will be an offensive threat for the team. She has gifted hands, is shifty with the puck, possesses a good shot and can read the play well … Spent her rookie season with the Badgers but did not play as the 2020-21 season was cancelled due to COVID … Played her final junior season with the Central York Panthers, recording 11 points (nine goals, two assists) in 36 games.
Toronto
Gabrielle De Serres: Fourth-year defender … Despite playing on the back end, she leads the team in points with five … Had a goal and an assist in a game against Queen's on Nov. 12 … Named RSEQ first team all-star while playing high school hockey in her home town of Ville Mont-Royal, Que.
