It was an exciting start to the 2025–26 OUA women's hockey season on Friday night at Canlan Ice Sports Arena, as the York University Lions hosted the Western Mustangs. The Lions entered their regular season with renewed energy and optimism following a strong preseason showing. On a crisp October night, they hit the ice looking to carry that confidence into opening night and set the tone for the campaign ahead.
The first period saw both teams test their footing, trading scoring chances but remaining deadlocked through 20 minutes of play. Goaltender
Emma Wedgewood stood tall for the Lions, turning away all five shots she faced, while York's forwards applied steady pressure, outshooting Western 8–5 in the frame.
In the second, the Mustangs capitalized late when Haylie Kirkpatrick broke through at 18:45, giving Western a 1–0 lead heading into the final period. Despite trailing, York continued to generate quality opportunities, staying composed and patient in their offensive zone entries.
That persistence paid off in the third.
Mikayla Totten opened York's scoring just over eight minutes into the period, finishing off a setup from
Alexa Giantsopoulos and
Ginger Fast to even the score at 1–1. Moments later, Fast completed the comeback herself at 15:19, burying the go-ahead goal with assists from
Sara McLennan and
Natalie Mamone. From there, York locked down defensively, with Wedgewood turning aside all eight shots in the third to secure the win in net.
York outshot Western 29–26 on the night, showcasing their balanced attack and discipline, neither side took a penalty in the final frame. The win also marked a strong statement for the Lions' new season identity: poised, physical, and relentless.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Riding the momentum from their home opener, the Lions will head to St. Catharines on Saturday, October 11, to face the Brock Badgers. Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m., and the game can be streamed live on OUA.tv as York looks to build on their successful season debut and continue their climb toward an early-season winning streak.
