The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team opened 2025 with a 2-1 win over the Western Mustangs in London, Ont., on Friday (Jan. 10) night.
 
The Blues and Mustangs traded chances in the first period but the Blues managed to find themselves on the scoreboard late in the first period, courtesy of fourth-year forward Aili McKeown. McKeown picked up a rebound off a shot from second-year forward Taylor Delahey, finding the back of the net for her eighth goal of the season. McKeown's goal was the difference maker in the first period as the Blues led 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.
 
In the second period the Blues doubled their lead, capitalizing on a power play as first-year defender Taylor Thompson's shot made its way through traffic and into the back of the net. The goal was Thompson's first in the OUA as the Toronto, Ont., native's goal gave the Blues a 2-0 advantage after two periods of play.
 
In the second half of the third period Western was able to cut the U of T lead down to one as forward Elizabeth Gauthier's fourth goal of the season got the Mustangs on the board. Despite the third period goal against, the Blues played a strong defensive game as first-year goaltender Lyla McKinnon kept 27 of the 28 shots she faced out of the back of the net to earn the first win of the new year.
 
The Blues will hit the ice again on Saturday (Jan.11) afternoon as they travel to Windsor, Ont., to face the Windsor Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.