Thursday evening saw the Waterloo Warriors take on the Laurier Golden Hawks in a pivotal OUA hockey match up. With both teams entering the game with winning records, the stage was set for an intense battle.

The first period featured relentless pressure from both sides, with each team striving to gain the upper hand. Midway through the frame, the Golden Hawks broke through, capitalizing on a scoring opportunity to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Warriors responded late in the period during a power play. A precise connection between Madison Pritchard (Richards Landing, ON) and Carly Orth (Bolton, ON) set up Nikki McDonald (Stoney Creek, ON), who buried the puck to tie the game 1-1 as the first period came to a close.

The intensity carried into the second period, with both teams battling to assert control. Laurier ramped up their offensive efforts, testing the Warriors' goalie with a flurry of shots. Goalie Kara Mark (New Hamburg, ON) stood tall, showcasing her trademark composure and consistency that have become hallmarks of the Warriors' reputation.

The third period was a defensive showcase, with both teams trading chances but struggling to find the back of the net. Despite multiple power play opportunities for Laurier, Waterloo's disciplined defense stifled the Golden Hawks, keeping the score deadlocked at 1-1. With just under a minute remaining, Waterloo broke the stalemate. Brodi Levitt (Caledonia, ON) capitalized on a well executed play, assisted by Faith Mitchell (Stirling, ON) and Kassidy McCarthy (Bowmanville, ON), to score the game winning goal. The Warriors held firm in the final seconds, securing a 2-1 victory in a thrilling rivalry clash.

Up next, the Warriors will face the Western Mustangs on January 19.