CFRC Sports-Queen's Women's Hockey Fall to the Waterloo Warriors 3-1 in Home Opener

Last Friday the Queen’s women’s hockey team took on the Waterloo Warriors at their Home
opener at Memorial Arena, after a road win against Ontario Tech. For the first time at home, the Gaels
welcomed their new head coach Morgan McHaffie after her six years of being an assistant coach for the
Gaels, and a former player from 2009-2014.

Both teams sitting at a one-win season so far walking into their second games, with much
anticipation after Waterloo's highly successful previous season, but a fresh start for the Gaels as they took
the ice. Early within the first two minutes of the 1st period, Sophie Hudson buried the first goal for the
Gaels after catching a 2 on 1 with Alyson Reeves picking up the pass in the backdoor, beating Waterloo’s
goaltender right under her glove. The rest of the first period was followed with heavy offensive presence,
with a resilient defensive unit keeping the Waterloo Warriors at the defensive blue line and the neutral
zone, whilst the Gaels out shot Waterloo. This one goal carried the Gaels into the second period as
Waterloo ramped up their offensive presence, landing them two goals against the Gaels. Queen’s
continued to create a defensive presence whilst their Goaltender Emma Tennant stood on her head after a
quiet first period, keeping the Gaels at a one-goal difference. With many close calls from the Gaels, they
were unable to net another goal. The third period was followed by another goal from Waterloo, leading
them to a 2 goal victory against the Gaels. The Gaels out-shot the Warriors 22-16 but sadly fell to a 3-1
loss in their home-opener weekend.

The next day the Gaels hosted The Laurier golden Hawks. After an early Laurier goal in the first period
queens would find themself on the backfoot for the remainder of the match. During the third period, the
Gaels got two penalties but defended their zone and kept Laurier from scoring any more goals.
With the loss, the Gaels' record fell to 1-2-0 on the season. The Gaels are on the Road next Friday
challenging the Nipissing Lakers at 7:00pm. Tune into OUA.TV for live coverage.

 Story by Lauren Pirie, October 23, 2023