The University of Windsor Lancers men's hockey team earned a convincing 4–1 home victory over the Laurier Golden Hawks on Wednesday (Feb. 4) night at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex, clinching a spot in the 2026 Queen's Cup playoffs and entering into a tie for first place in the OUA West.
The blue and gold used a strong start and disciplined defensive play to control the contest from start to finish. Windsor built a two-goal lead in the opening period, weathered a brief push from Laurier in the second, and sealed the win with a pair of goals late in the third.
STATS
Windsor held the edge in shots, outshooting Laurier 28–22. Lancer goaltender Max Donoso was solid between the pipes, stopping 21 of 22 shots to earn the win. Laurier netminder Tristan Malboeuf faced steady pressure throughout the night, making 24 saves on 27 shots before an empty-net goal capped the scoring.
Offensively, the Lancers received goals from Aaron Shaw, Ray Hamlin, Alex Cunningham, and Colton Smith. Hamlin and Smith added assists for two-point nights, while Stef Dobrich chipped in with a pair of helpers. Windsor capitalized once with the man advantage, while Laurier was unable to convert on its power-play opportunities.
GAME FLOW
Windsor set the tone early in the first period, opening the scoring midway through the frame when Aaron Shaw finished a play in tight, set up by Brady Hinz and Stef Dobrich. The Lancers continued to apply pressure and doubled their lead late in the period, as Ray Hamlin tipped in a Dylan Schives shot on the power play to give Windsor a 2–0 advantage heading into the first intermission.
Laurier responded in the second period, cutting the deficit in half with a shorthanded goal late in the frame. Despite the setback, Windsor maintained its composure and defensive structure, limiting Laurier's chances and preserving the one-goal lead through forty minutes.
In the third period, the Lancers regained full control of the game and Alex Cunningham restored the two-goal cushion late in the frame. Laurier pushed for offense with the net empty, but Colton Smith sealed the result with an empty-net goal in the final minutes to secure the 4–1 win.
UP NEXT
The Lancers will look to build on this strong home performance as they continue conference play, preparing for their next matchup against the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday, February 6 at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available online at golancers.ca/tickets. The game can be streamed via oua.tv.
