The Blues opened the 2024-25 season with a 2-1 loss to the Waterloo Warriors on the road in Waterloo, Ont.
The Blues opened the scoring early in Waterloo. Second-year forward Taylor Delahey and first-year defender Taylor Thompson set up third-year forward Emma Elders who danced her way through the slot and fired a backhand past Warriors goaltender Kara Mark for her first goal of the season. Thompson's assist marked her first career point in the OUA.
The Warriors were able to respond midway through the first period with forward Grace Smith finding the back of the net to deadlock the game at one as the score held up after 20 minutes of play.
In the second period, the Blues controlled puck possession and outshot the Warriors 12-1 in the middle frame. While the second period was scoreless, the Blues penalty kill was strong as they killed off multiple Waterloo power plays by cutting off shooting lanes and getting the puck out of their defensive zone to keep the game tied at one goal each after the second period.
In the third period, the Warriors were able to break the tie as Smith added her second goal of the game. As the period progressed, the Blues pushed for an equalizer but weren't able to find the back of the net despite getting good scoring chances.
First-year goaltender Lyla McKinnon made 13 saves in her OUA debut.
The Blues are back in action again on Saturday (Oct. 12) night when they take on the Laurier Golden Hawks in Waterloo, Ont. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on OUA.tv
