The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team have proven themselves to be a perennial contender in the OUA and with the start of the 2025-26 regular season scheduled for this week, they intend to once again showcase themselves as a team-to-beat.
The Blues had a regular season record of 17-8-1 last season, finishing second in the OUA East division. Building chemistry throughout the season, which included an undefeated record in the month of January, U of T was able to use that momentum to propel themselves to their second OUA championship in the last three seasons, defeating the provincial championship host Waterloo Warriors in a thrilling final 3-2. From there, the Blues captured their second national medal in as many seasons, claiming U SPORTS bronze following a quarter-final win over UNB and bronze medal game win over Concordia at the national showcase.
Continuing to chase the elusive national banner, the Blues have undergone a large roster overhaul a large number of graduations. Looking to an influx of talent from first-year and transferring post-graduate student-athletes, U of T have not shown themselves to be slowing down anytime soon with 14 goals scored across five preseason games.                                                       Â
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FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"Our coaching staff is excited at the opportunity to work with this young group of promising student-athletes. We are thankful and have been so fortunate to have had so many amazing people come through our Varsity Blues women's hockey program; we believe that they have left us in a great place with a strong culture of excellence. This year, we have a group that is committed to learning, developing and growing one day at a time. They have been committed since day one, and it will be exciting to see how we come together to have an impact on the OUA this season.
- Vicky Sunohara, University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey head coach
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners:Â Kaitlyn McKnight (F),
 Ashley Delahey (F), Taylor Delahey (F), Kalie Chan (D), Lyla McKinnon (G)
Key Additions:Â Karelle Daigle (F), Petra Klimes (F), Olivia Brassard (D), Jillian Matthews (G)
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LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Goals:Â Aili McKeown | 23 GP, 11Â G
Assists:Â Ashley Delahey | 26Â GP, 16 A
Points:Â Ashley Delahey | 26Â GP, 25Â PTS
Wins:Â Lyla McKinnon | 21 GP, 12 W
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MARQUEE GAMES
October 24 vs. Nipissing
The Blues home opener at Varsity Arena, this showdown with the Lakers has become a must-see every season as the two teams have consistently placed themselves at the top of the standings. For Toronto, the game comes following a four-game road trip to begin their 2025-26 regular season, offering building excitement for that first home game on home ice. U of T claimed both wins over Nipissing a season ago, including a shootout in North Bay. With another two meetings on the schedule for this season, the first of the pair could be critical for placement in the standings later in the schedule.
November 15 at Waterloo, November 21 vs Waterloo
A rematch of the last two OUA McCaw Cup finals, this home-and-home series mid-way through November will serve as a measuring stick for both U SPORTS national medalist teams from last season. The first meeting will take place in Owen Sound as part of Hockey Fest 2025. The second will see the teams return to Varsity Arena. U of T won two-of-three last year versus the Warriors and hold a 26-10 record including regular season and postseason meetings against Waterloo dating back to 2008.
January 31 at Guelph
In a season featuring several extended road trips and homestands, this matchup comes at the end of another five-game road-swing for the Blues. A pivotal late season showdown featuring East versus West, Guelph and Toronto have been exchanging wins and losses consistently over the last five year, leading to a slight 10-7 record in favour of the Blues dating back to 2020. Another three-games on home ice follows this contest for Toronto as they will be looking to build momentum for another postseason run.
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