The York University Lions field hockey team has been one of the premier programs in the province over the last decade. Under Zeeshan Minhas, the Lions have not missed the playoffs in 11 years, since his first season at the helm in 2013.
Over that time, York has won three OUA gold, an OUA silver and three national silver medals. The Lions enter 2024 looking to return to the OUA championship game for a third straight season.
This year, the OUA returns to a neutral site championship format, with the top regular season seed hosting the final four weekend. The semi-finals will take place on Oct. 25 and the championship on the 26th.
The Lions lost a couple of key veterans in the offseason, namely Natalie Winter and Lexi Hannah. However, they have a strong nucleus of returning talent that will keep them in the mix near the top of the OUA table.
"Abby Thompson, Jewel Lew, Natalie Brown, Caitlin Miller, along with our fifth year goalie Jade Lew are all key players to solidify our defence, said Minhas, embarking on his 12th year (11th season) as head coach. "Offensively, we will be leaning alot more on Juliet, Elise Piper, Kathy and Elyse Ives to lead our team as a unit."
Minhas says when looking back on last year, he wants his team improve in the area of decision-making this year, with an emphasis on making quicker and better decisions in difficult situations.
A mark of a championship caliber team is the desire – and need – to improve even when things seemingly went close to perfect. Minhas said he's looking for more offence from his team, which scored 29 goals last season – second-most in the OUA. Conversely, he wants to see better defence from his side, despite allowing a conference-low five goals in 2023.
Despite a strong returning contingent, the Lions have brought in a young supporting cast in their latest recruiting class, one Minhas says gives him plenty of different options now and in the future.
"I am really excited about our incoming players as we were able to add players that will give us more depth and options to play different structures," Minhas said. "Claire Armstrong, Tessa Wang and Katie Tye will provide more depth to our midfield and defensive lines. As well as Elma Arsalan and Jaime Alexander will give us more depth in the attack, and Scarlett Kotar will provide more depth in net."
While winning and losing is obviously paramount, more goes into a season than wins and losses. For Minhas, seeing his team bond and grow together is extremely important, along with seeing his athletes develop in all facets of their lives.
"I would like to see our athletes improve and grow together as a cohesive unit," he said. "I want to help them develop a strong mindset to overcome challenges not just on the field but off the field as well.
The Lions kick off the season Saturday night when they travel to Waterloo to battle the Warriors before hosting the Guelph Gryphons in their home opener on Sunday at Alumni Field.
