OUA Semi-Finals: Western Mustangs vs. Laurier Golden Hawks

After an exciting first round that saw the team move on after a nail biting triple overtime win the Mustangs women’s hockey team get set for the second round of the playoffs as they face off against the number one ranked Laurier Golden Hawks. Both teams moved on to the second round with sweeps of the Toronto Varsity Blues and Waterloo Warriors respectively. This season the Stangs and Golden Hawks have met three times in the regular season with Western leading the series 2-1.

The Mustangs are riding high after an emotional triple overtime win on Friday night that saw Katelyn Gosling score a highlight reel goal to lead the team on to the second round. Gosling has been a leader for the team all season and has continued to lead the team in the playoffs, with four points in two games (2 goals, 1 assist). Forwards Brittany Clapham and Stacey Scott have also scored some big goals for the Mustangs this post season. Clapham was the only source of offence for either team in game one recording two goals, while Scott and Gosling both scored twice in game two to put away the Varsity Blues for good.

Not to be outdone by the offence Mustangs goaltender Kelly Campbell has played outstanding for the team all year long. Campbell has been a wall in the post-season, with a goals against of 1.16, a save percentage of .962, and stopping 76 of 79 shots while recorded one shootout in the team’s first round series

Campbell and the Mustangs will have to be sharp as they get set to face the OUA’s number one team in the Laurier Golden Hawks. The Golden Hawks are coming off a 2-0 series sweep of cross town rivals the Waterloo Warriors. The Golden Hawks were one of the country’s top offensive teams all season long, with a well-balanced offensive attack.

Leading the team in net is Erika Thunder. Thunder was one of the countries better goaltenders this season, even while splitting time with goaltender Kayla Brown Thunder managed to rack up 12 wins. So far this post season Thunder has played well with a goals against of 1.00, a save percentage of .957 and one shootout while facing 46 shots through two games.

Game one of the women’s OUA semi-finals is set for Thursday, February 21 at Sun Life Financial Arena in Waterloo. Game two is set for Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Arena. If needed game three is set for Sunday night back at Sun Life Financial Arena.