WATERLOO, Ont. — On a special Senior Game at CIF Arena, the Waterloo Warriors delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, earning a 4–0 shutout over the York Lions with contributions up and down the lineup — led fittingly by the senior class.

The afternoon could not have started in more storybook fashion. Just 11 seconds into the game, Waterloo's senior line opened the scoring, as Tatum James (Stratford, Ont./Northwestern Secondary School) finished a quick-strike sequence set up by fellow senior Carly Orth (Bolton, Ont./Humberview Secondary School). The early goal energized the bench and the crowd alike, setting the tone for a game in which Waterloo controlled tempo and possession from the opening faceoff.

The Warriors continued to apply pressure through the first period, forcing York into defensive posture and drawing penalties as a result. A cross-checking call against York midway through the frame led to a Waterloo power play, and while the opening portion of the advantage was contested, the Warriors established sustained offensive-zone time late in the power play. The pressure paid off at 9:39, when Orth found the back of the net, converting a feed from Katina Duscio (Kitchener, Ont./St. Mary's High School) and James to give Waterloo a 2–0 lead heading into the intermission.

Waterloo carried that momentum straight into the second period, capitalizing on strong transition play and extended zone pressure to break the game open. At 2:32, Adriana Pezzutti (Belle River, Ont./Belle River District Highschool) made it 3–0, finishing a sequence created by Tia Lascelle (Lancaster. Ont./Ontario Hockey Academy) and Jalen Duffy (Burlington, Ont./Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School) following a clean breakout and controlled entry. Less than two minutes later, the Warriors struck again, as James scored her second of the afternoon at 4:27, finishing a play off a setup from Gracey Smith (Waterloo, Ont./Preston High School) and Nikki McDonald.

The two quick goals pushed Waterloo ahead 4–0 early in the second and firmly established control.

From there, the game took on a more physical edge, particularly in the third period, as York pushed to respond and emotions rose. Despite extended time shorthanded — including ten York power-play opportunities — Waterloo's penalty kill was flawless, remaining organized and aggressive while limiting York's chances to the perimeter.

In goal, Kara Mark (New Hamburg, Ont./Waterloo Oxford District Secondary School and Victus Academy) was steady throughout, turning aside all 17 shots she faced to secure the shutout. Waterloo finished the afternoon with a 36–17 advantage in shots, went 1-for-6 on the power play, and closed out the game with disciplined defensive play and smart puck management.

On a night designed to celebrate the program's senior class, Waterloo's veterans led by example — striking early, contributing offensively, and setting the standard in a composed, complete team performance that capped off a memorable Senior Game at CIF Arena.