The York University Lions women's hockey team wrapped up a three-game road trip against the Nipissing Lakers on a snowy Friday night in North Bay, looking to rebound from last week's tough loss against Ontario Tech. York entered this game having won three of their last four meetings against Nipissing, one of the top teams in the nation. Still in a fight for their playoff lives, the Lions entered the contest in fifth place in the OUA West, sitting eight points behind Laurier for the final playoff spot.

The Lakers struck first midway through the opening frame when Abby Lunney netted her seventh goal of the season, assisted by Maggie McKee and Ashley Taciuk, giving Nipissing a 1-0 lead. The Lions weathered the storm as goaltender Emma Wedgewood made 12 first-period saves to keep the deficit at 1-0.

In the second period, York capitalized on their first power play opportunity of the night. At 8:28, Lola Massey put home her fourth goal of the season on a scramble in front off a one-timer from Kaitlin Teixeira, who drew the second assist after Abby Hicks had a touch on it in front. The goal tied the game at 1-1. York outshot Nipissing 9-6 in the frame and headed to the third period tied at a goal.

Neither team could break the deadlock in the third period despite trading chances. Wedgewood continued her stellar performance in net, as she stopped all 12 Lakers shots in the final frame to help send the game into overtime.

The extra frame lasted just 46 seconds, with Ava Ricker-Singh emerging as the hero. A turnover deep in the offensive zone by Nipissing sprung the Lions on an odd-man rush. Natalie Mamone fed Alexa Giantsopoulos in behind the Laker defence; her shot was stopped, but Ricker-Singh, traliling the play, was able to poke home the rebound to give York the 2-1 win to give them a crucial two points in the standings. York now sits six points behind Laurier for the fourth and final playoff spot in the OUA West.

The win continues York's hot play against Nipissing over the last two years, with the Lions now having won four of the last five and five of the last seven games against Nipissing, including the postseason, dating back to Jan. 14, 2024.

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions return to Canlan Ice Sports on Sunday, January 19, to face the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 PM.