Nipissing Lakers Women's Hockey Team going to USports Nationals and will host McCaw Cup Final

Big players score big goals in big moments, and for Nipissing Lakers fifth year forward Jetta Derenoski, there was no bigger moment than last nights OUAsemi-final matchup against the U of T Varsity Blues. They were a team that was undefeated in regulation play, the top ranked team in the country and the defending McCaw Cup champions. But it was Derenoski’s two goal performance that lifted the visiting Lakers to a 3-2 win, the opprotunity to host the McCaw Cup final at home, and a spot in the U Sports National tournament in Prince Edward Island next weekend. 

“To be completely honest it is all still sinking in,” says Head Coach Darren Turcotte.  

“We have a very special Group that has come together as of late and we are playing our best hockey of the year right now.” 

Nipissing was coming off a 3-1 win on home ice in their quarterfinal game against Ryerson on Saturday. Going up against the OUA’s top team, the Varsity Blues only losses of the year came in a shootout loss in November to Queens and an overtime defeat at the hands of the Lakers in the regular season finale.  

After the win over Ryerson, Lakers forward Brianna Gaffney said they feel they had the momentum after that win in the regular season, and fellow fifth year forward Jetta Derenoski echoed that sentiment after the win over U of T. 

“I absolutely agree with Gaffney, winning against U of T in the last game of regular season really showed our team that we are capable of winning and we have what it takes,” she says.  

“It made our team atmosphere better and it upped our confidence going into playoffs which is exactly what we needed.” 

The Lakers put the pressure on the home side right out of the gate and scored a goal just 1:15 into the game as local product Madison Desmerais notched her first career OUA goal. 

But the Varsity Blues snapped back with two of their own less than five minutes later and held a 2-1 advantage until the end of the opening frame. 

“We were told a few things in our pre game speech and one was that we need to own the areas in front of the net,” says Derenoski.  

I will hand it to Varsity Blues Goaltender Erica Fryer she is a good goalie so we knew we needed traffic in front and that is exactly what my line mates did, they battled hard.” 

Derenoski’s first goal at 18:37 of the first tied the game at 2-2.  

“When the puck came to my stick all I could hear in my head was our goalie coach, Frank Longo, telling me to elevate the puck, I did it and it worked. I grew a few inches in a short amount of time as my teammate, Madison Solie, picked me up in pure excitement during the tying goal celebration.” 

And Derenoski was not finished there. At 9:39 of the second period, on the penalty kill, Derenoskiscored her second of the contest in what would eventually be the game winning goal. 

“I have always loved Penalty Kill, my speed has often allowed me to get in place to block shots and turn it into a short handed offensive opportunity,” says Derenoski.  

“I will admit I meant to go top glove hand corner and I fanned on the shot, but a goal is a goal and we were all incredibly ecstatic to pull ahead.”  

It’s a special moment for Derenoski who didn’t start the year with the Lakers. She came back to the program after the Christmas break. 

“I was very nervous coming back after Christmas, I did not know where I would fit in, in the lineup,” says Derenoski.  

“As I know all the girls have been dedicating a lot of time and effort all year. Being able to come back, be accepted by all my teammates and to feel all the support from each and every one of them has really helped me personally in this journey.” 

Derenoski adds, “Scoring those huge goals is an incredible feeling, one I will remember for a life time. I knew I came back for a reason. I for sure could not have done it without coach Turcotte believing in me and inviting me back for the second half.” 

“I am so happy for all of our players including Jetta,” says Turcotte. “When I was talking to her at Christmas about a possible return, I told her that if she wanted a shot at Nationals, this would be the year, and here we are.” 

Chloe Marshall made 16 saves in net for the Lakerswho will head back to the McCaw Cup final for the first time since 2017 where they lost to Guelph.  

Interesting to note, the Lakers also had to beat U of T that season to get to the McCaw Cup, defeating the Varsity Blues in a best of three to become the first Nipissing Lakers team to advance to an OUAchampionship game, but that was where that season ended.  

“We have been so close to a Nationals berth in the past and have had heartbreak finishes so this one is pretty special,” says Turcotte. 

The Lakers will host the Brock Badgers in Saturdays championship game.  

“It’s going to be a special day on Saturday being able to host the McCaw Cup Finals at home,” says Turcotte.  

“My goal Has always to give my players an opportunity to see what the support in North Bay can be like when you get to the Finals. This is our chance to show them exactly that. I know that North Bay hockey fans love provincial and national championships. I encourage everyone to come to the Gardens on Saturday and enjoy a tremendous OUA final.” 

The Badgers defeated Guelph 2-1 in their opening round game before shutting out Western 3-0 on Wednesday night to clinch their spot in the championship game.