WIELGOSZ MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN FOR HAWKS

As powerful as the Laurier Golden Hawks have been since grabbing last year's CIS crown, the defending champs recently went through a bit of a rough patch when starting goalie Morgan Wielgosz missed a few games with a concussion. The second-year Dorchester, ON native is back and it's no shock that she had an immediate impact on the Laurier squad. Wielgosz stopped all 20 shots that came her way en route to recording her third shutout of the season in a 3-0 win over the Brock Badgers Sunday in Waterloo. Samantha Cully scored a pair for the Hawks, while Lyndsey Parissenti chipped in two assists. OUA scoring leader Kate Allgood did not dress for Brock.

Wielgosz's return comes at a crucial time as the No. 1 Hawks prepare to host one of the OUA semi-finals after sitting out the first round with a bye. Laurier (19-3-1) had dropped its second game in the past two weeks in a 4-2 loss to the Queen's Golden Saturday. Queen's (12-8-2-0) is one of three teams vying second in the league, which automatically includes the other bye. Toronto (10-7-3-2) and Brock (9-8-5-0) are also in the hunt. The Gaels play their final two games against the Badgers, starting with a pivotal meeting in Kingston Friday night. In addition to the win over Laurier, Queen's also pounded the Waterloo Warriors 5-0 Sunday. Amanda Stenson, Keri Baker and Cassandra Sparks had a goal and an assist each for Queen's, while goaltender Claire Hunt made 19 saves to earn the shutout.

The York Lions (6-9-7-0) and Windsor Lancers (7-10-4-1) are in a battle for the sixth and final playoff spot currently tied at 19 points. Windsor got a big lift Sunday when they hosted the Lions and came away with a 2-1 win. Megan Casey and Jacklyn Rumble scored for the Lancers, who finish up the sked with a home-and-home against the Mustangs. Western, at 17 points, has a chance to get into the post-season with a pair of wins. The Mustangs drew Toronto 0-0 Saturday. Western's Danielle Le Ber made 30 saves for the shutout, while the Blues' Stephanie Lockert turned away all 28 shots she faced. The goalless game was nothing like the Blues meeting with the Lancers the night before. Toronto beat Windsor 7-1, led by Emily Patry's goal and three assists. Katie Dowdall scored twice for Toronto and added a helper.

The Guelph Gryphons (8-7-5-1) were idle this week but have two big games remaining against Toronto Friday and York Sunday.

(Photo: Guelph power-play specialist Arden Sullivan will be gearing up for the Gryphs final two pivotal games next weekend. Photo by Kyle Rodroguez.)