The York University Lions men's hockey team opened their 2025-26 season on the road against the Windsor Lancers on Sunday afternoon, looking to win their season opener for the second time in three years.

The Lancers took the lead just five minutes into the game, with Keegan McMullen opening the scoring, Frank Jenkins doubled the Lancers' lead eight minutes later, but York responded quickly after dispossessing Windsor in the neutral zone and launched a counter attack through, and Thomas Johnston put the puck into the back of the net for his first OUA goal in his first OUA game. The former Ottawa 67 cut the deficit to one at 2-1 after 20.

The second period was goalless, but York goaltender Dawson Smith – playing in his first OUA game after two years at Robert Morris University in the NCAA – made 19 saves to keep the Lions alive heading into the third period. However, Windsor extended their lead just one minute into the final period, as Owen Jones buried one past Smith to make it 3-1. Then, McMullen would score his second goal of the game two minutes later with an assist from Ty Toews and Dylan Schives to give Windsor a 4-1 lead and put it out of reach. The Lancers capped off their strong third period with a goal from Salvatore Collora, securing a 5-1 Windsor victory.

LOOKING AHEAD: 

The Lions will continue their season-opening road trip on Thursday when they face the Laurier Golden Hawks in Waterloo at 7:00 pm. The game will be streamed live on OUA.TV.