The Waterloo Warriors made a statement in their opening match of the 2025 Miller Waste U SPORTS National Championship, delivering a stunning 3-0 upset over the favored Alberta Pandas. Entering the tournament as OUA silver medalists, the Warriors faced a formidable challenge against the Canada West champions in the quarter-final. With the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena packed with supporters, the energy was electric, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
From the opening face off, both teams showcased relentless intensity, battling for control in the neutral zone and pressing aggressively in the offensive ends. The Warriors quickly demonstrated their attacking prowess, with Gracey Smith's (Waterloo, ON) relentless stick checking and Emma Thornton's (Kitchener, ON) high energy fore checking putting early pressure on the Pandas' defensive unit. As the first period progressed, Waterloo's crisp passing and strategic puck movement created multiple high quality scoring chances. Their efforts paid off late in the frame when a cross ice pass in the neutral zone set up Leah Herrfort (Palmerston, ON), who capitalized on the opportunity to give the Warriors a crucial 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw the game's intensity reach new heights, with both teams exchanging rapid offensive sequences. Waterloo's continued pressure soon yielded results as Kassidy McCarthy (Bowmanville, ON) found herself with an opportunity, unleashing a perfectly placed shot to extend the Warriors' lead to 2-0. Despite the Pandas pushing back with a physical response, including drawing penalties, Warriors goaltender Kara Mark (New Hamburg, ON) stood steady, turning away every attempt and ensuring Alberta was unable to gain any ground. As the period closed, Waterloo remained firmly in control, carrying their two goal advantage into the final frame.
With their championship hopes on the line, the Pandas entered the third period determined to shift momentum in their favor. However, the Warriors refused to slow down, sticking to their game plan and continuing to dictate play. Lyndsy Acheson's (Summerland, BC) poised skating and precise passing helped maintain Waterloo's offensive rhythm, while Jalen Duffy's (Burlington, ON) tenacious back checking disrupted Alberta's attempts to mount a comeback. As time ticked down, Gracey Smith (Waterloo, ON) found herself on a breakaway and, with composure, delivered a clinical finish to put the game out of reach at 3-0.
With the upset victory secured, the Warriors now set their sights on the tournament semi-final, where they will face the Concordia Stingers on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Riding the momentum of their dominant performance, Waterloo is primed to continue their remarkable championship run.
