WNYGVIH GALLERY: HEWS AT LIDA
January 6, 2026
Photos by Janet Schultz©
All photos property of NYHOL and cannot be reproduced or copies without permission of Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
WNYGVIH: FOP VS MONMAR GALLERY
January 7, 2026
(All photos property of NYHOL and Janet Schultz©
If you wish to use these photos or obtain copies, please send request to Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
WNYGVIH Open New Year’s Full Schedule
Recap Week January 5-8
Story and Photos by Janet Schultz©, NYHOL
Statistics in the WNYGVIH League have always bounced around and even at this second half of the season we have no idea who will be in first!
CASH moved into First Place (7-2-0 in 9 games) after defeating St. Mary’s of Lancaster (STM) 3-1 and Niagara County (NICO) 11-1 (actually twice, first in the Dec. 22 make-up game).
LIDA follows with a 6-1 record then STM (6-2) and HEWS (4-3).
KenGiPort and FOP are tied at fifth with 4-4 records and then Williamsville (1-6) follows. MonMar and NICO are tied in last place with 0-5 records.
Leah Dowling (LIDA) heads the 2025-26 Scoring Record with 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points. She is followed by Teagan Willats (KenGiPort) with 9 goals/11 assists; Sabrina Basamania (FOP) 5 goals/11 assists; Brynn Cafferty (LIDA), 8 goals/7 assists and Peyton Forcucci (FOP) 11 goals and 4 assists.
CASH’s Ella Celej lead the goalies with 198 saves on 211 shots for a .938 save percentage in 404.2 minutes in net. She leads in minutes played.
Kate Kelley of MonMar has a .912 save percentage stopping 187 of 205 shots.
Betsy Accurso (STM) has the second most minutes in net at 360 with a .885 save percentage.
Ella Buczynski (HEWS) and Accurso each have logged two shutouts.
Lila Jones (NICO) has faced 212 shots on goal.
So how have all these stats come about after this week’s play?
On Monday, Jan. 5, St. Mary’s defeated Williamsville 10-0 with Accurso getting the shutout. Anna Bacon and Sophia Hathaway shared goaltending duties for Williamsville. Then it was Buczynski with a 5-0 shutout over HEWS.
CASH defeated NICO 11-1 on Tuesday and KenGiPort shutout MonMar 5-0, Ella Johnston getting the shutout for KenGiPort.
LIDA took HEWS 4-3 with a 1-1 tie after the first, 3-3 tie after the second and LIDA dropping the final goal with 25 seconds left in the third to win. Calling this the “seconds game” after goals were scored in the second and third periods with just 25-36 seconds left in the period.
On Wednesday there was no score and no penalties in the first period of a 5-0 win for FOP over MonMar. Rachael Fix got the W for FOP.
Thursday it was FOP over Williamsville 8-3; CASH over STM 3-1 and NICO and MonMar played to a 303 tie with Grace Elliott stopping 32/35 for MonMar and Lila Jones stopping 34/37 for NICO. MonMar and NICO went in with identical win/loss records and came out the same way, only adding a tie; they both stayed tied for last place.
Four WNY players had Hatties this week including Brynn Karan (STM), Hannah Favata (STM), Peyton Forcucci (FOP) and Sabrina Basamania (FOP).
What’s coming:
Monday, January 12: FOP at STM, 4 p.m.; KGIP at HEWS, 8 p.m. and a rescheduled game LIDA at NICO at 3:30 p.m. at Dwyer.
Tuesday, January 13: NICO at FOP at 4 p.m.; CASH at LIDA, 4:15 p.m. and STM at KGIP, 8 p.m.
(This is LIDA’s Senior Night)
Wednesday, January 14: NICO at Williamsville, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 15: CASH at FOP, 4:30 p.m.; LIDA at Williamsville, 4:30 p.m. and KenGiPort at Webster at 6 p.m.
Remember all games are open free to spectators and the players would love your support.
PWHL Launches Mentorship Program
NEW YORK AND TORONTO (Dec. 16, 2025) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is introducing the PWHL Mentorship Program, a cornerstone league-wide initiative created to empower and inspire the next generation of girls in hockey.
Developed in partnership with Strong Girls United (SGU) and made possible with support from Kyndryl, Founding Partner of the PWHL Mentorship Program and an Official Partner of the PWHL, the new initiative connects PWHL athletes directly with youth players to foster leadership, confidence, and community, on and off the ice.
The program will engage 120 youth athletes (grades 8–9) across all eight PWHL teams. Each market will welcome 15 mentees, selected through an open application process, and three PWHL players per team will serve as mentors throughout the season. As part of the program, participants will join monthly virtual mentorship sessions led by PWHL mentors and SGU, along with large-group workshops designed to strengthen mental wellness, self-belief, and teamwork. The program will consist of an in-person experience in each market, including a game-day visit, attending a closed practice, or a live mentorship workshop, providing mentees with a unique behind-the-scenes connection to the league.
“Girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, and hockey is no exception, with age 14 being a key point when many stop playing,” said Mandy Gutmann, vice president of communications and external affairs for the PWHL. “That’s why we built the PWHL Mentorship Program to specifically target eighth- and ninth-grade girls. In partnership with Strong Girls United and with founding support from Kyndryl, the program is designed to give girls role models, support and a sense of belonging that keeps them connected to hockey. We know that when girls continue to play hockey, the impact extends far beyond the rink.”
Through the PWHL Mentorship Program, the league and its partners aim to break down barriers, champion mental wellness, and create inclusive spaces where girls in hockey can thrive. Studies show that mentorship during adolescence is one of the most effective ways to build leadership skills, resilience, and self-confidence, traits that extend far beyond the rink. The program was piloted during the 2025 PWHL Draft, where 100 girls from Ottawa were selected to participate in an interactive mentorship session alongside PWHL athletes prior to the event. Following the session, participants reported feeling inspired, an increase in self-confidence, and a greater drive to be a leader in the game, reinforcing the powerful role mentorship plays in keeping girls engaged in hockey.
Kyndryl is helping to bring this vision to life, ensuring that every connection formed through the program has lasting impact.
“Kyndryl Canada is proud to be the Founding Partner of the PWHL Mentorship Program—an important initiative that reflects our commitment to fostering inclusion, belonging, and opportunity through sport,” said Farhaz Thobani, President, Kyndryl Canada. “Together with the PWHL, we are creating pathways for girls to learn from inspiring role models, build confidence, and gain the support they need to thrive at a pivotal stage in their development.”
ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE (PWHL)
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that features the best women’s players in the world. It is comprised of eight teams: Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Launched on January 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. The league was recognized by Sports Business Journal as the Sports Breakthrough of the Year, and ranked No. 1 in Canada for corporate reputation in both 2024 and 2025, according to the Harris Poll. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise, and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter for the latest updates. Follow the league on social media @thepwhlofficial.
PWHL, the PWHL Logo, and PWHL team names and logos are trademarks of the PWHL. © PWHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.
About Kyndryl
Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) is a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services offering advisory, implementation and managed service capabilities to thousands of customers in more than 60 countries. As the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, the company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex information systems that the world depends on every day. For more information, visit www.kyndryl.com.
About Strong Girls United
Strong Girls United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in York, Maine, with a mission to empower girls through sports, mentorship, and mental health programming. The organization believes in creating spaces where girls feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Through community programs, mentorship initiatives, and national partnerships, Strong Girls United is building a generation of confident, connected, and resilient young women. By using sport as a powerful vehicle to teach mental skills and foster supportive relationships, the organization equips girls with lifelong tools to thrive in athletics and in life. Learn more at sgunitedfoundation.org
WNYGVIH So Far
Photos and story By Janet Schultz, NYHOL;
Looking ahead to the New Year Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew/Alden are going to be fighting a good fight to stay in first place in both the League and the Section. With two private schools playing, St. Mary’s of Lancaster and Monsignor Martin, there are two sets of stats. The privates are part of the league but not part of Section VI.
St. Mary’s of Lancaster sits in second place in the League; followed by Hamburg/Elma/West Seneca; Clarence/Amherst/Sweethome; Kenmore/Grand Island/Lockport; Frontier/Orchard Park (no one from Lakeshore this season); Williamsville; Niagara County and Monsignor Martin.
In Section VI, HEWS, CASH, KengiPort, FOP, Williamsvilleand NiCo follow LIDA.
Leading the scoring for the League is KengiPort’s Teagan Willates with 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points. Right behind her is LIDA’s Leah Dowling with 7 goals and 7 assists. Sabrina Basamania (FOP) sits at third with 3 goals and 7 assists. Fourth place is all tied up with 9 points each by Emily Lysiak (LIDA) 4 goals/5 assists; Brynn Gafferty (LIDA), 5 goals/4 assists; Caitlin Sinclair (LIDA) 2 goals/7 assists; Avery Szczesek (St. Marys of Lancaster) 7 goals/2 assists and Madelyn Jagow (KengiPort) 3 goals/6 assists. (All stats are as of December 18 2025)
CASH’s Ella Celej has been making key saves for CASH and sits with a 4-2 record and one shutout putting her at the top of the Goalie statistics. She has played 269.42 minutes with a .932 save percentage and 1.84 gaa after making 151 saves of 162 shots.
Kate Kelley of Monsignor Martin has logged 185 minutes facing 157 shots and making 144 saves for a .917 save percentage and 3.16 gaa.
Ella Buczynski has made 105 shots on 115 attempts for HEWS giving her a .913 save percentage after 222.67 minutes between the pipes. She has a 3-2-0 record with one shutout.
Anna Maki of LIDA appeared in the net for 45 minutes but sotpped 10 of 11 shotws for a .909 save percentage and 1.00 gaa in a win.
Eighth grader Sophia Hathaway has logged 134.55 minutes for Williamsville, stoped 121 of 134 shots for a .903 save percentage and .435 gaa.
Betsy Accurso has logged the most minutes between the pipes with 270 minutes. In that tie she has won 5 games, lost one and had one shutout. She has a .895 save percentage and 1.67 gaa. She also has had the most wins as a goalie.
Celej, Buczynski, Accurso and Schimenti have each had one shutout this season.
Sam Latini of NICO sits at ninth on the All Time Scoring Leader List with 87 goals and 58 assists in 87 games played. She is the only active player on that list at this time. However on the radar from this season are Willats, Smaczniak, Lysiak, Phillips and Peyton Forcucci.
The League always has something throw it a curve that postpones games. This year has been sickness, weather and a leaking roof.
The NICO at CASH December 11 game has been rescheduled for December 22 at 3:30 p.m. at Northtown.
LIDA will play NICO on December 29 at 3 p.m. at Riverworks to make up for the December 18 postponed game.
The LIDA vs FOP game on December 11 was postponed until December 31 at 9 a.m. at Leisure Rinks.
December 4 game with NICO versus FLOP rescheduled for January 13 at 4 p.m. at Dwyer Arena.
St. Mary’s postponed an early December game with NICO and that will be played Monday, January 19 at 2 p.m. at Northtown aena.
Other games postponed and not yet rescheduled are Monsignor Martin at LIDA at Holiday from December 16 and HEWS at Monsignor Martin from December 18 (leaky roof).
In other WNYGVIH news and notes:
This year’s Nut Bowl went to HEWS with a 3-0 victory over CASH. (CASHEWS) Kylie Wegrzynowski with the game winning goal on the powerplay.
16th season opened with a 8-6 win for Williamsville over NICO. Genevieve Illos of Williamsville and Sam Latini of NICO both had hattricks plus one goal in that game.
Hattricks so far this year: Leah Dowling (LIDA), Avery Szczesek (St. Marys of Lancaster), Kiley Breeze (CASH), Brynn Cafferty (LIDA), Mia Hauser (LIDA), Erin Krawczyk (KenGiPort).
Erin Krawczyk of KengiPort had all 4 goals in the 4-1 win over Williamsville. In that game Williamsville’s Illos scored 30 seconds into the game for Williamsville’s only goal of the night.
We would like to congratulate CASH’s Jenny Wild on her commitment to SUNY Plattsburgh and former LIDA player Caydon Kowalow commitment to Northeastern University.
Please note all statistics are as of December 20, 2025. There are still a few games to be played in the 2025 year. All teams return to the ice the week of January 5.
Monday, January 5: Williamsville at St.Marys of Lancaster; NICO at HEWS.
Tuesday,January 6: CASH at NICO; HEWS at LIDA; MonMar at KenGiPort
Wednesday, January 7: FOP at MonMar
Thursday, January 8: Williamsville at FOP; St. Marys at CASH and NICO at MonMar
For complete scheduled go to https://wnygirlshockey.com
ST Mary’s Lancaster Opens Season with a Win
By Randy Schutz, NYHOL
Photos by Janet Schultz© NYHOL
CHEEKTOWAGA, NY — Avery Szczesek and Shea Hall each had a goal and an assist to lead St. Mary’s of Lancaster to a 4-2 victory over Monsignor Martin Monday night in Western New York Girls High School Ice Hockey. The game was played at the Kenneth J. Meyers Recreation Center.
St. Mary’s jumped out to a 3-0 first period on goals by Hannah Favata, Szczesek and Gabe Lowell. All three came a three-minute span late in the opening stanza. Assist on the first goal went to Szczesek, the second to Hall and the third to Lauren Gilano and Tessa Kwiatowski.
Monsignor Martin opened the scoring early in the second period on an unassisted goal by Lily Sampson to make the score 3-1. But St. Mary’s came right back with an unassisted goal from Hall to up the score to 4-1,
Addison Cherry rounded out the scoring late in the period with an unassisted goal. There was no scoring in the third period.
It was the opening game for both teams. Betsy Accurso stopped eight of 10 shots in goal for St. Mary’s while Kate Kelley stopped 31 or 35 shots she faced.
In other WNY girls high school ice hockey action Monday night HEWS blanked CASH, 3-0. Kylie Wegrzynowski, (Eden HS), Liliana Smardz (Hamburg HS) and Brynn Holland (West Seneca HS) scored by HEWS.
Meghan Waskielewicz (West Seneca HS), Sophia Philips (West Seneca HS) and Kelsey Barrett (West Seneca HS) added the assists.
Ella Buczynski made 22 saves in getting the shutout. Ella Celej stopped 15 of the 18 shots she faced for CASH.
CASH is now 1-1 while it was the opening game for HEWS.
Photo Album to Come
CASH Takes First Win over KengiPort in WNYGVIH
BY RANDY SCHULTZ –
Goalie Ella Celej stopped all 27 shots she faced to lead her CASH team to a 2-0 opening night victory over KenGIPort at the Paddock Chevrolet Ice Arena in Tonawanda. The game marked the start of the 16th Western New York Girls Ice Hockey Federation season.
Addie Bizub opened the scoring for CASH at 8:47 of the first period to give her team a 1-0 lead over KGP. Haylie Yourston and Terry Wila were credited with assists on the goal.
There was no scoring in the second period. In the third Galday Lindeu scored at the 6:54 mark to give CASH their 2-0 lead and the final score. Cece Bizub got the lone assist on that goal.
Photos by. Janet Schultz, NYHOL© No photos may be copied or shared without permission of NYHOL. To share/purchase Photos contact Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
Williamsville Takes First Win of Season in WNYGVIH
BY RANDY SCHULTZ –
Genevieve Illos scored four goals to lead the Williamsville Girls Varsity High School Ice Hockey team to a 8-6 win over the Niagara County Girls Varsity High School Ice Hockey Team Tuesday afternoon at Dwyer Arena on the campus of Niagara University. Sam Latini also scored four goals in a losing effort for Niagara County.
It was the opening game for both teams and the beginning of the 16th season of Western New York Girls Ice Hockey Federation hockey.
Sam Draper opened the scoring for NC at the 13:49 mark of the first period to give her team an early 1-0 lead. Illos scored the first of her four goals just a couple of minutes later to tie the score.
Illos scored again just minute later to put WM in front, 2-1. Caydence Curran increased WM lead to 3-1 at the 8:03 mark of the first. NC closed out the scoring in the opening period when Ashley Mainstone scored with a little over a minute remaining in the period to cut WM lead to 3-2.
Latini then scored the first of her four goals early in the 2nd period to tie the score 3-3. But WM jumped back in front, 4-3 on a goal by Scarlet Canna at 5:44. But less than a minute later it was Latini again for NC to tie it up, 4-4.
WM exploded for three more goals in the period on goals by Alison Besancon, and back-to-back goals by Illos to give their team a 7-4 lead going into the third period.
Alena Lombardo increased WM lead to four, 8-4 early in the final period. Latini scored the final two goal of the period for NC to cut the WM lead to two and make the final score 8-6.
GAME NOTES: Alison Besancon had three assists in the contest for WM…Addison Stachura added two assists for WM…the only other player to record an assist in the game for WM was Mila Guigui.
Latini also had an assist in addition to her four goals…Mainstone added two assists to her goal…Myla Chopyak had an assist…as did Elynn Schrader.
Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL© (No photos may be copied or shared without permission of NYHOL.
To purchase/use photos contact Janet@nyhockeyonline.com
Plattsburgh State Athletics News: Overtime Heroics Lift Cardinals Past Red Dragons, 3-2
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – With their backs against the wall after an 0‑3 start in conference play and coming off a tough 2‑1 loss at Morrisville the night before, the Plattsburgh State men’s hockey team remained home on Saturday night to face the Cortland Red Dragons. The Red Dragons, whom the Cardinals defeated in last season’s SUNYAC semifinals despite dropping both regular-season meetings, arrived looking to extend their early season momentum.
Plattsburgh struck first in the opening period. Senior Jake Sacratini(Montreal, Quebec) carried the puck into the offensive end on the flank, skated down the middle, and executed a give-and-go with Quinn Tavares (Mississauga, Ontario) before burying the opening goal to give the Cardinals a 1–0 lead. Cortland responded in the second period with two goals, Morley Phillips scored at five minutes into the period, and Matthew DeSpirt followed two minutes later, assisted by J.C. Humphreys, giving the Red Dragons a 2–1 advantage.
The Cardinals regrouped early in the third period to tie the game. Senior Lonan Bulger (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories) carried the puck into the zone and squared it to Gabriel Filion (Montreal, Quebec), who swung it one more time to Sacratini. Sacratini then sent a pass across the front of the net that Bulger tapped in, knotting the game at 2–2 and forcing overtime.
In 3-on-3 overtime action, Plattsburgh completed the comeback. Senior Riley Sutherland (Burlington, Ontario) ignited the fast break and ripped a shot on goal, which was saved. First-year Thierry Lizotte (Saint-François-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, Quebec) followed up on the rebound, firing another attempt that was stopped, before finally tipping in the second-chance rebound to give the Cardinals the 3–2 victory.
First-year goaltender Beau Lane (Pembroke, Mass.) made 29 saves to secure the win, while Plattsburgh out-shot Cortland 34–31 and won 34 of 68 face-offs. The victory improves the Cardinals to 3–3–0 overall and 1–3–0 in SUNYAC play, snapping their conference losing streak and giving the team a much-needed boost of confidence.
The Cardinals will now take part in the LayerEight Shootout hosted by Norwich next weekend, starting with a matchup against Middlebury on Friday at 4 p.m.
Plattsburgh Women Remain Undefeated
CORTLAND, N.Y. — Fresh off a dominant 5–0 shutout at Morrisville the night before, extending their unbeaten start to conference play and maintaining a spotless defensive record against SUNYAC opponents, the Plattsburgh State women’s hockey team continued their road weekend on Saturday with a matchup against Cortland. Historically, the Cardinals have controlled the series with a 57-5-1 all-time record, though last season saw a more competitive split at 2–2 across four meetings.
Cortland challenged early, capitalizing on their chances to build a 3–1 lead through the opening period. Plattsburgh’s lone goal of the first came when Emily Kasprzak (Niagara, N.Y.) curled behind the net and centered a pass to the slot, where Tessa Morris (Grand Island, N.Y.) streaked into the play and finished the feed to cut into the deficit. Despite trailing by two heading into the second, the Cardinals settled in and began to tilt the ice.
Plattsburgh struck again early in the middle frame. Working from behind the net, Molly Riggi (Farmingdale, N.J.) centered a pass to Kayson Ruegge (Edmond, Okla.), whose initial shot was turned aside. Zoe Puc (West Palm Beach, Fla.) jumped on the rebound for another attempt that was also stopped, but Riggi followed the play and buried the third effort, pulling the Cardinals within one. The momentum continued to build, and Plattsburgh drew even later in the period. Off a clean offensive-zone faceoff win by Morris, Brooke Terry (Massena, N.Y.) collected the puck and fired a quick shot toward goal that found its way through traffic and into the back of the net, tying the game at 3–3.
With the Cardinals fully in control, the third period opened with the go-ahead strike. After a blocked point shot from Taya Balfour(Moorestown, N.J.) redirected into the slot, a streaking Ella Fesette (Plattsburgh, N.Y.) pounced on the loose puck and buried the chance, completing the comeback and giving Plattsburgh its first lead of the night just 3:18 into the period. From there, the Cardinals locked down defensively and closed out the 4–3 victory, improving to 5–1–0 overall and 4–0–0 in SUNYAC play.
The win extends Plattsburgh’s unbeaten conference run and showcases yet another resilient effort from a team that continues to respond in key moments.The Cardinals will participate in the Cardinal/Panther Classic next weekend, hosted by Middlebury, where they will take on No. 1–ranked University of Wisconsin–River Falls on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.
Biederman Scores in OT for Colgate Women’s Hockey Win Over Union
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Elyssa Biederman scored with 35 seconds left in overtime to secure the extra point for the Raiders in a 3-2 win over Union at M&T Bank Center on Saturday.
COACH DECOSSE’S COMMENTS
“A strong team weekend. It is never easy to sweep in our league. We were proud of the way our team came together and found a way to get the win this afternoon.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
Colgate started the first period with a strong offensive presence, highlighted by Sara Stewart’s goal at 12:37, which was assisted by Casey Borgiel and Emma Pais. This early lead was bolstered by Elyssa Biederman’s power-play goal at 11:18, assisted by Borgiel and Taylor Senecal, pushing the score to 2-0. Colgate’s defense held firm, with Brooke Davis making crucial saves to maintain the shutout. The period concluded with Colgate ahead, 2-0.
Union opened the second period with momentum, as Maddie Leaney scored an unassisted goal at 18:10, cutting the Colgate lead to one. Colgate continued to press, with Pais and Chloe Goofers each generating opportunities, but were unable to alter the score. Davis provided key saves to maintain the scoreline. The period concluded with the Raiders ahead 2-1.
Colgate opened the third period with a strong faceoff win by Alexia Aubin. Despite early pressure, the Garnet Chargers tied the game at 19:18 with a goal by Klara Kenttala. Colgate responded assertively, generating numerous shots, including attempts from Madeline Palumbo and Ava Wood, but faced consistent saves from Union’s Monja Wagner.
Throughout the period, Colgate controlled the faceoff circle with Stewart leading several wins. The team maintained offensive pressure, with Biederman and Senecal creating chances, but could not break through Union’s defense and the game went to overtime.
Colgate secured a dramatic victory in the overtime period with Biederman’s power-play goal. Biederman scored with 34 seconds remaining, assisted by Borgiel and Alexis Petford. Colgate emerged with a 3-2 victory, closing the game in sudden death overtime.
GAME NOTES
- The Raiders improved to 47-0-3 in series history against Union.
- Elyssa Biederman posted her first two-goal game this season.
- Colgate earned its first overtime road win since defeating Harvard on Jan. 24, 2025.
- Casey Borgiel logged three assists in a single game for the Raiders for the first time since Avery Pickering posted three assists against Maine on Oct. 17 earlier this season.
- Brooke Davis made 20 saves between the pipes for Colgate.
Colgate Men lose in Shutout
HAMILTON – The Raiders picked up a point in a shootout loss after a 4-4 tie at Class of 1965 Arena on Saturday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Easton Wainwright scored the opening goal at 5:15, assisted by Jacob Napier and Luke Malboeuf. Less than a minute later, Robby Newton extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal assisted by Owen Neuharth and Niko Rexine at 5:38. The team maintained pressure, generating multiple shot attempts, though the Garnet Chargers’ defense and goaltender Cameron Korpi managed to hold them at bay.
The Garnet Chargers responded with a goal by Brandon Buhr at 17:01, cutting the deficit to one. Despite their efforts to level the score, Colgate’s defense, led by Reid Dyck’s saves, kept the visitors from evening the game. The period concluded with Colgate leading 2-1.
The Garnet Chargers seized momentum early in the second period, with Colgate’s defensive efforts highlighted by blocked shots from Isaiah Norlin and Tyson Doucette. Despite the visiting team’s persistent offensive pressure, Dyck made several critical saves to maintain the score. Midway through the period, the Garnet Chargers capitalized on a power play, with Colby MacArthur scoring to extend their lead.
Colgate responded with their own power play opportunities late in the period but could not convert. The period concluded with the Garnet Chargers leading 3-2.
Colgate began the third period with a power play opportunity, which they capitalized on as Daniel Panetta scored with assists from Ryan Spinale and Brett Merner, tying the game at three apiece. Shortly after, Jacob Napier gave Colgate the lead with an even-strength goal assisted by Simon Labelle and Merner, making the score 4-3.
The Garnet Chargers fought back and tied the game at 4-4 with a goal from Drew Sutton, assisted by Ben Muthersbaugh and Will Felicio. Despite late attempts from both sides, the period concluded with the score still tied, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Colgate began the overtime period by winning the initial faceoff, setting a competitive tone. Labelle and Panetta each directed shots on goal, but Korpi was steadfast in net. Despite a flurry of attempts, including a late power play, Colgate could not break the deadlock.
Defensive resilience was evident, highlighted by Michael Neumeier’s block of a shot from the Garnet Chargers’ Felicio. Dyck made crucial saves to thwart the visiting team’s advances, keeping the score level. The overtime period concluded without a goal, maintaining a tie.
In the shootout, the Garnet Chargers opened with Buhr converting his attempt. Colgate responded with Labelle successfully finding the net, leveling the shootout after two rounds. As the sequence continued, the Garnet Chargers’ Parker Lindauer scored, putting pressure on Colgate. Neumeier’s attempt was unsuccessful, concluding the period with the Garnet Chargers taking the edge.
The game ended with the Garnet Chargers securing the victory via shootout.
GAME NOTES
- Daniel Panetta scored his 30th career goal.
- Reid Dyck made 32 saves and made three shootout saves in net for the Raiders.
- Easton Wainwright scored his first career collegiate goal.
- Brett Merner posted his first career multi-assist game.
UP NEXT
Colgate (5-7-2, 3-2-1 ECAC) heads to East Lansing to take on Michigan State next Wednesday and Friday. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. for both games.
NY Sirens Shut Out Ottawa
OTTAWA, ON (November 22, 2025) – Taylor Girard had a natural hat trick and Kayle Osborne posted a 28-save shutout to lead the New York Sirens to a 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Charge on Saturday night in front of 7,371 fans at TD Place in Ottawa. In a fast-paced, physical game, it was Girard who broke the scoreless tie 7:49 into the third period before scoring her second tally just under five minutes later to give the road team a late 2-0 lead. The forward completed the hat trick — the first of her PWHL career — to give the Sirens a commanding 3-0 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the third. Rookie Maddi Wheeler had assists on each of Girard’s three tallies, while linemate Elle Hartje contributed two helpers. Defender Maja Nylén Persson scored a shorthanded, empty-net tally with four seconds remaining. In what was a battle of the sophomore goaltenders for much of the game, it was Osborne who posted her second career shutout while Ottawa’s Gwyneth Phillips made a regular-season career-high 38 saves in the loss.
QUOTES
New York goaltender Kayle Osborne on playing in her hometown: “[Playing at TD Place] feels great. I think it just felt better to have our first win with this group — we’re super young, and we’ve proven that we belong in this league. It makes it more special to play here today. I have a lot of support and family and friends here; we only play a few times a year in this building so it’s special to for them to get to see me.”
Sirens forward Taylor Girard on scoring a hat trick: “It is special to be a part of this group and Kayle obviously helped us out in a lot of areas. All of the goals that were scored — the credit goes to everybody else on the team who worked their butts off in every area of the ice. We scored because we set each other up every shift, shift after shift. We were hard on the puck, and it was great a great win.”
Ottawa forward Gabbie Hughes on the Fanuza Kadirova goal that was waived off because of a penalty on the play: “I was just so excited for Fanuza. She was so pumped and amped up. So, to see that excitement for her was fun. We saw her personality show a little bit more. It was frustrating to have it called off, but we’ll work things out as a team, and on the ice, and the goals will come.”
Charge Head Coach Carla MacLeod on adjustments that will be needed to create offense: “It’s game one. There is a lot that needs to be adjusted. In the grand scheme of things, there were a lot of good things that we saw. It’s just about tuning the fine details within that structure. I thought our defenders did a nice job with their gap for the most part of the night. We’ve just got to make sure that we keep learning.”
NOTABLES
New York has now opened all three PWHL seasons with a win on the road. Last season, they spoiled Minnesota’s home opener with a 4-3 overtime victory on Dec. 1, 2025, and won the first game in PWHL history in Toronto with a 4-0 shutout on Jan. 1, 2024.
Kayle Osborne recorded her second career shutout and third career win, with each of them coming in Ottawa. The Westport, ON, native earned her first shutout against the Charge with 31 saves on Jan. 27, 2025, in a 3-0 victory, then made 15 saves in a 6-3 win on Mar. 25, 2025 at TD Place. She becomes the second goaltender to record a shutout in a season opener following Corinne Schroeder who stopped all 29 shots in the league’s inaugural game.
Taylor Girard is the first player in PWHL history to score three goals in a single period and records the league’s second natural hat trick following Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle on Jan. 6, 2024. Her three goals came on a career-high seven shots on goal and matches her offensive output from the entire 2024-25 season (1G, 2A) in 23 games.
Maddi Wheeler set a record for most points in a PWHL debut with her three assists tonight. The fourth-round pick is just the second Sirens players to record three assists in a game following Ella Shelton on Jan. 14, 2024.
Elle Hartje recorded her second career multi-assist performance, with the first coming in her fifth PWHL game last season on Dec. 22, 2024.
Maja Nylén Persson scored the season’s first shorthanded and empty net goal.
Gwyneth Philips’ previous career-high for regular season saves came in her season debut on Dec. 19 with 35 stops in a 5-2 loss in Minnesota.
Emily Clark led the Charge with five shots on goal after tying for the team lead during the 2024-25 campaign with 87 shots in 30 games.
Ottawa is now winless in three season opening games. Last season, they dropped a 4-3 shootout decision in Montréal on Nov. 30, 2024, and previously lost their inaugural game 3-2 in overtime at home against Montréal on Jan 2, 2024.
Five New York draft picks made their PWHL debuts tonight including Wheeler, first overall pick Kristýna Kaltounková, third overall pick Casey O’Brien, second-round pick Anne Cherkowski, and fifth-round pick Anna Bargman.
Two Sirens players made their team debuts tonight, including forward Kristin O’Neill, who led the team with 13 faceoff wins, and defender Jincy Roese who logged 25:07 in her return to Ottawa where she served as an alternate captain for two seasons.
Four Ottawa draft selections made their PWHL debuts tonight including first-round pick Rory Guilday, third-round pick Sarah Wozniewicz, fourth-round pick Peyton Hemp, and sixth-round pick Fanuza Kadirova.
Kadriova had a goal disallowed at 10:45 of the first period as Ottawa was assessed a minor penalty for too many players.
Brooke Hobson played in her first game as a member of the Charge, with the defender suiting up against her former New York teammates.
New York’s 42 shots on goal set a new team record and is the highest total so far this PWHL season.
THREE STARS
1. Taylor Girard (NY) 3G
2. Kayle Osborne (NY) 28/28 SV
3. Gwyneth Philips (OTT) 38/41 SV
UPCOMING SCHEDULES
New York: Tuesday, Nov. 25 at Montréal at 7 p.m. ET
Ottawa: Wednesday, Nov. 26 vs Vancouver at 7 p.m. ET
