Women’s hockey — A
This season was a great bounce back season for the women’s hockey team as they regained the top spot in Ontario through some outstanding goaltending and great play from veteran players. However, they entered the national championship as the second seed and were disappointed not to leave with a medal, finishing in fourth. With the eight rookies on their roster, the Hawks surpassed expectations despite the finish at nationals.
–Josh Peters
Women’s curling — A
After a rocky performance at the OUAs last year, the women’s curling team made a huge statement when they went 6-0 at the round robin this year and cruised to an OUA championship win against the Carleton Ravens on a steal in the tenth end. Kerilynn Mathers and Cheryl Kreviazuk were named OUA second-team all-stars and Laurier was headed back to nationals. At the CIS level, Laurier finished third in the country after going 5-2 in the round robin and dropping the semifinal to the Ravens. Howard was named a CIS second-team all-Canadian for her performance at nationals.
–Shelby Blackley
Women’s basketball — A-
It was the second time in four years that the women’s basketball team punched their ticket to the national championship after winning the bronze medal. Unfortunately, the Hawks were stymied by the McGill Marlets in the consolation semifinals of the national championship that put an end to their season. Laura Doyle was named an OUA second-team all-star and Alexandra Spadaro was named to the West all-rookie squad. The Hawks provided what was one of the most memorable and entertaining seasons of recent years, matching their best record.
–Brad Bowen
Men’s curling — A-
Laurier had their best performance since 2008 with a silver medal at the OUA championships and a CIS bronze medal. The Hawks finished off an impressive run at the provincial level with a second-place performance and Spencer Nuttall being named an OUA second-team all-star. At nationals, Laurier continued to shine, finishing second with a 6-1 round robin record before falling to Alberta in the semifinal. Skip Aaron Squires was near perfect as he was named a CIS first-team all-Canadian. Richard Krell was also named a CIS second-team all-Canadian.
–Shelby Blackley
Men’s basketball — B+
Men’s basketball was full of strong veterans and lots of young talent, finishing third in the OUA West. The Hawks were able to get past the first round, but were stopped by the Windsor Lancers in the OUA West semifinal. Aside from Max Allin, the team had a very young core. Laurier struggled on defence and will look for an all-around performance next year.
–Josh Peters
Swimming — B+
The Hawks managed to qualify and score at the CIS championships for the first time since 2009. With achievements such as Kaitlin Vanderbeek winning Laurier’s first medal at the OUA level in three years, or Christopher Courtis setting four new school records in time trials, it’s hard not to be impressed with the season put together by this group. The Hawks finished 19th overall at nationals.
–Brad Bowen
Men’s hockey — C
On the heels of losing key players such as all-star goaltender Ryan Daniels and veteran defenceman Kyle Van De Bospoort, the Hawks struggled this year as they finished the season with a record 11-19-4 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. With upcoming players such as the former Kitchener Ranger Derek Schoenmakers posting the most goals by a Hawk in a season since 2009 and rookie goaltender Vinny Merante posting strong numbers, the Hawks put forth a strong effort despite having only 12 skaters by the end of the year.
–Brad Bowen