The York University Lions women's hockey team is no stranger to back-to-backs, but the one that looms this weekend, on what is the final weekend of play before the term break, is the toughest one they will have faced in terms of competition quality.
 
It begins Friday with the No. 4 nationally-ranked Waterloo Warriors paying a visit to Canlan Ice Sports. The last time the Lions and Warriors faced off, Waterloo took a 4-1 decision on home ice back on November 6.
 
The following night, the Windsor Lancers wander into town. Though unranked, they're having a rather fine season themselves, with an 8-3-1 record. This is the first of two meetings between the two teams this season; the other comes January 22 in Windsor. 
 
This weekend pits the Lions against the top two OUA West clubs. The Warriors and Lancers come in with a combined 17-6-1 record, while the Lions have lost three of their last four, with the only victory coming in overtime against the winless Laurier Golden Hawks. The one positive for the Lions is that Waterloo is reeling slightly; after starting the season with nine straight wins, they have dropped their last three.
 
The Matchups:
Dec. 2: York (4-8-0) vs. No. 4 Waterloo (9-3-0)
Dec. 3: York (4-8-0) vs. Windsor (8-3-1)
 
Game Details
Fri., Dec. 2 vs. Waterloo (7:15 pm – OUA.tv)
Sat., Dec 3 vs Windsor (7:15 pm – OUA.tv)
 
Current Streaks:
York – Lost 2
Waterloo – Lost 3
Windsor – Won 1
 
Quick Facts
 
York:

• The Lions have taken the 3rd-fewest penalties in the OUA (25)
• The Lions have not allowed a shorthanded goal this season

Waterloo: 

• The Warriors have the highest save percentage in the OUA and second-highest in the country (.946).
• Waterloo has the most goals for in the OUA West, and second most in the conference (32).

Windsor

• The Lancers are tied for the second-most goals scored in the OUA West and third-most in the league.
• Windsor is tied with York for the most power play goals allowed in the OUA (9). 

Lions to Watch
 
#3 SASHA BRUCKER: Second-year forward… Registered her first OUA goal in the Lions loss to TMU on Friday night… That was also her first point of this season… Brucker is a hard worker for the Lions whose dogged style doesn't often show up on the scoresheet… The goal was her first point since Feb. 19, 2022, also at TMU.

#24 JULIA McLENNAN: Fourth-year defender… This is one that's not going to be about offence… McLennan only has 10 points in her OUA career, and just one of them are goals… However, McLennan is a steady, veteran anchor on the Lions blue line… Playing against a couple teams who can score with the best in the province, her leadership and poise on the back end will be key.