With the opening weekend of 2024 behind them, the York University Lions women's hockey team settle in as they battle for playoff contention in the second half of the season. A home-and-home is on the horizon against the Nipissing Lakers, as the Lions are on the road Friday evening, and return to Canlan on Saturday.

On Friday evening, the Lions faced the Toronto Varsity Blues, with Toronto getting the opening goal just 59 seconds into the game. Despite the quick goal, Emma Wedgewood was solid in goal for the Lions stopping the next 12 shots and keeping her red and white side in the game, shutting out the Blues through the second period. Back-and-forth penalty killing was the name of the game, but both teams stood strong killing off all penalties. With just 6:34 remaining in the final frame, Toronto extended their lead and went on to win the game 2-0.

The Lions were on the road Saturday against the TMU Bold, hopeful to re-write their previous outing. The Bold however, remained resilient as the Lions battled but could not capitalize on a power play. TMU got the first goal towards the end of the first period, before adding two more in the second period. Alexa Giantsopolous added life to the Lions closing the scoreline 3-1 with just over a minute to play in the second. TMU solidified their win in the third period with another goal, coming out on top 4-1.

The Match-up:

Jan. 12 York (4-12) vs. Nipissing Lakers (15-2)

Jan. 13 York (4-12) vs. Nipissing Lakers (15-2)

Game Details:

Fri., Jan. 12 @ Nipissing (7:00 pm OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 13 vs Nipissinng (4:15 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York - Loss 6

Nipissing - Loss 1

Quick Facts:

York:

• Lexy Anonech is 4th in the OUA for short-handed goals (2)
• York leads the conference with 4 short-handed goals
• The Lions 91.3 penalty kill percentage is 4th in the OUA

Nipissing:

• The Lakers lead the OUA with 3.82 goals per game
• Katie Chomiak leads the league with 11 goals
• Nipissing's 23.0 power-play percentage is 1st in the conference

Lions to Watch:

#14 ALEXA GIANTSOPOULOS: Second-year forward... In her 16 games played she has recorded two goals and four assists giving her six points on the season... She recorded her first multi-point game of the season on Nov. 18 against Waterloo in the Lions 6-3 victory where she scored a goal and had an assist... She is tied for second on the team in points and is tied for first in assists... Her one game-winning goal sits her in fourth in the OUA.

#7 ILENA RICKER-SINGH: Fifth-year defence... Appearing in all 16 games for the Lions this season, recording her first assist and point of the year on Oct. 20 against Windsor... On Jan. 6 she tallied her second assist and point of the year in the Lions loss to TMU... Her physical style of plays helps to defend the front of the crease and get her team working a fast transition.