For the second year in a row the Windsor Lancers women's hockey team opens the playoffs against The Guelph Gryphons. "We are excited for the opportunity." said head coach Deanna Iwanicka.
A quick refresher. Windsor beat Guelph 1-0 in the opener last year in double-overtime. Guelph tied the series with a 3-0 win. The deciding game went to a 4th overtime period before being settled as they Gryphons won 3-2.
Guelph ran away with the West Division finishing with a USports best 23-3-2 record. Windsor won 11 out of 28 and placed 4th. That would lead one to believe Windsor has no chance but the Lancers split last weekend's regular doubleheader against their first-round opponent losing 3-1 and winning 2-1.
After missing a good chunk of the season due to injury, 5th year goaltender Kristen Swiatoschik broke out against Guelph last weekend turning aside 84 or 88 shots.
"We are proud of her coming through that and being in a position to backstop us in the playoffs," Iwanicka said. "The team has a lot of confidence in what she can do and allows us to play our best hockey."
Game 1 is Guelph Wednesday. The Lancers return home for game 2 Friday night at the Capri Pizza Recreation Complex.
"After missing our playoff chance due to Covid in 2022, to then face Guelph in a very tight series in 2023, our unfinished business theme continues," Iwanicka said. "We are hungry."
The men open round two of their playoffs Wednesday against Brock. More coming up Wednesday.