Graphic on blue background featuring banner-winning photo of the Carleton Ravens women?s Nordic skiing team and the Lakehead Thunderwolves men?s Nordic skiing team. Large white text reading, 'CHAMPIONS', is included in the top third.

February 24, 2025

Banner Season: Ravens, Thunderwolves earn gold on championship weekend

Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. (via Algoma Thunderbirds) - The 2025 OUA Nordic Ski Championships were held at Hiawatha Highlands this past weekend. Hosted by Algoma University and the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club, the event included the following teams: Algoma Thunderbirds, Carleton Ravens, Guelph Gryphons, Lakehead Thunderwolves, Laurentian Voyageurs, McMaster Marauders, Nipissing Lakers, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Queen’s Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues, Waterloo Warriors.

Men’s Team Standings

Gold - Lakehead Thunderwolves

Silver - Carleton Ravens

Bronze - Ottawa Gee-Gees

Women’s Team Standings

Gold - Carleton Ravens

Silver - Ottawa Gee-Gees

Bronze - Nipissing Lakers

Interval Start Free Technique

The men’s competition saw a dominant performance from the Lakehead Thunderwolves, with Nicholas Randall securing the gold medal (38:35.6) and teammate Joel Haering claiming silver (39:13.9). Carleton’s Kaeden Ward rounded out the podium with a bronze-medal finish (39:20.7).

On the women’s side, Carleton’s Helen McCulligh delivered a championship-winning performance to take home gold (43:50.6), while Lakehead’s Mia Sawatsky earned silver (45:35.0). Carleton’s Sophia Giangrande joined her teammate on the podium with a bronze-medal finish (45:41.0).

In the para-nordic category, Ottawa Gee-Gees' Emma Archibald raced to victory, securing the gold medal (48:22.5).

Mass Start Classic Technique

Lakehead’s Nicholas Randall continued his dominance, winning his second gold medal (34:10.2) of the championship. His teammate Alexander Randall earned silver (34:19.6), while Carleton’s Noah Vanderzon claimed the bronze (34:20.9).

The women’s mass start event saw a shift in podium positions, with Lakehead’s Mia Sawatsky stepping to the top to earn gold (38:09.3). Carleton’s Helen McCulligh added a silver medal (38:13.2) to her collection, while Ottawa’s Maude Molgat captured bronze (39:31.4).

Once again, Ottawa’s Emma Archibald demonstrated her skill in the para-nordic category, earning her second gold medal (45:15.6) of the event. Algoma celebrated their very own head coach, Logan Bach, as she earned Coach of the Year.

OUA Men’s All Stars:

1- Nicholas Randall - Lakehead Thunderwolves

2 - Alexander Randall - Lakehead Thunderwolves

3 - Kaedan Ward - Carleton Ravens

4 - Wes Robinson-Shaw - Carleton Ravens

5 - Noah Vanderzon - Carleton Ravens

6 - Japhy-Kai Crookham - Nipissing Lakers

7 - Joel Haering - Lakehead Thunderwolves

8 - Raphael Guerout - Carleton Ravens

9 - Darion Dillabaugh - Carleton Ravens

10 - Milo Sircom-Brown - Ottawa Gee-Gees

10 - Nathaniel Sneyd - Carleton Ravens