The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s hockey team fell 3-0 to the No. 2 Laurier Golden Hawks at their third annual Cheer Blue, Think Pink game on Saturday, February 6 at Varsity Arena.

With the win, Laurier goaltender Liz Knox ties McGill Martlets Charline Labonte's CIS record for career shutouts (30) and most single season shutouts (11) and the Golden Hawks remain a perfect 23-0-0 on the season. The Blues drop to 12-10-2 and remain in fifth place in the OUA standings.

Sporting pink jerseys in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Chapter, the Varsity Blues came out with lots of energy. U of T nearly got on the board six minutes in when third-year forward Lindsay Hill (Ajax, Ont.) sent a cross-crease pass to team captain Karolina Urban (Kamloops, B.C.), however the puck sailed inches wide of the net.

After a scoreless first period, Laurier captain Andrea Ironside jumped on a Kaley Powers (Kingston, Ont.) rebound and sent the puck into the top corner of the net. The Golden Hawks held a narrow 1-0 lead after two periods of play.

The Blues again came out strong in the opening minutes of the third period, however 1:26 into the frame a Toronto defenceman got caught too deep in the offensive zone as Ironside picked up the puck and headed down the ice. The Collingwood, Ont. native used her speed and strength to muscle her way to the front of the net and sent a beautiful backhand over Blues netminder Kendyl Valenta’s (Brampton, Ont.) shoulder for her second of the game.

Laura Bartolini (Mississauga, Ont.) would add an insurance marker with 1:32 remaining to secure the 3-0 victory.

Knox posted 20 saves in the win and Valenta looked solid in net with 27 saves on the day. Hill was named the Varsity Blues player of the game.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow afternoon (Feb. 7) when they host the Waterloo Warriors at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 4 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.

NOTES:

The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team will be holding an online auction for their authentic game worn Think Pink jerseys from February 8-15. Also up for grabs is an authentic game-worn Mark Recchi Winter Classic jersey, autographed by the Boston Bruins. For more information please visit: www.varsityblues.ca/whockeyauction starting February 8.