This Wednesday evening, the Waterloo Warriors faced off against the Nipissing Lakers in a highly anticipated match up. With the Warriors leading the West Division (10-3) and the Lakers at the top of the East Division (11-1), fans expected a high energy clash and both of the teams delivered.

The Lakers opened with relentless pressure, spending much of the early minutes in the Warriors' defensive zone. Midway through the period, Waterloo sparked their offense with several high percentage shots. However, it was the Lakers who struck first, capitalizing on a fast break to take a 1-0 lead. Rather than faltering, the Warriors responded with renewed intensity, dominating the latter half of the period/

Both teams continued their relentless pursuit of control in a hard fought second frame. The deadlock persisted until Kassidy McCarthy (Bowmanville, ON) broke through, tying the game 1-1 three quarters into the period. The Warriors maintained offensive pressure for the remainder of the period, generating quality chances, but the score remained knotted at one. The energy on ice was palpable as the teams headed to the final frame.

The action intensified in the third period, marked by fast paced, back and forth play. Erika Porter (Mississauga, ON) made key defensive stops that helped generate offensive opportunities, while Kara Mark (New Hamburg, ON) remained consistent with numerous saves anchoring the Warriors' defense. Despite gritty efforts from both sides, neither team could break the tie, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime brought continued intensity, with both teams creating scoring chances and executing crisp passes under pressure. Yet, after a tense extra frame, the score remained tied, leading to a decisive shootout.

The shootout began with a goal from both the Lakers and the Warriors, with Carly Orth (Bolton, ON) securing the initial goal for Waterloo. The next two attempts saw impressive saves from both goalies. The shootout highlighted stellar goal tending on both sides. Waterloo's Nikki McDonald (Stoney Creek, ON) sealed the victory with a slick backhand after a sneaky dangle, providing the game winner. This final move capped a hard fought win for the Warriors, who outlasted the Lakers in a thrilling battle.

Up next, the Warriors will face the Windsor Lancers on January 10 after the holiday break.