Dunn, Sullivan memorable first year 

   

  Help Sault College women's hockey capture third consecutive ACHA D2 title

 

 April 6, 2025

 

 

  

 

By Rob J. Ross 

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. - Hayden Dunn and Taryn Sullivan had quite the memorable first year of post secondary school hockey.

The two rookies from Aylmer are members of the Sault College Cougars, the 2025 American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division Two women's champions.

Sault College went 5-0 at the National tournament held in St. Louis, defeating Assiniboine College, from Brandon Manitoba, 6-2, in the final, March 25.

"Winning Nationals was definitely an indescribable feeling. It was such a great experience to be a part of especially as a rookie," Sullivan said. "I'm so proud of all the hard work our team has put in this year on and off the ice. We had one goal all season and it was to win Nationals and being able to achieve that goal was surreal."

Sullivan had nine goals and 10 assists over 20 games during the season, before adding three assists in five games at Nationals.

"Putting on the medal and holding the trophy, was an experience I couldn't even begin to explain," Dunn said. "We worked so hard at every practice and workout. It was such an rewarding moment."

Dunn had a goal in Sault College's 5-0 shutout of Wisconsin in the semifinals, one of her four goals at Nationals. During the season, Dunn had three goals and three assist in 17 games.

The Cougars also beat Boston College, St. Thomas and Boston University, at a tournament that included Ohio State and Mercyhurst.

"We knew going into those games that it wasn’t going to be easy wins. We knew we had to make them play our game if we wanted to be successful," Dunn said. "After each game, we knew the job wasn't finished yet. We made sure we kept focused on our final goal and continue to bring our energy to each game."

Sault College actually repeats as D2 champions for a second time, now winning the title for three consecutive years. The Cougars finish 24-2-1 overall, including 12-0-0 on home ice.

Sullivan notched her first career collegiate hat trick in November against Lawrence Tech, among the first year memories.

"I have a couple memorable games like getting my first goal or my first hat trick, but one really memorable game was our senior night," said Sullivan, studying to become an esthetician. "Coming in as a rookie was scary and intimidating, but all the seniors made us feel very welcome the first day we got here. We could always go to them if we had a question or a problem."

Dunn is in the Practical Nursing program.

"This year was such an incredible experience, being a rookie and joining a team who has had so much previous success was very intimidating at first, but a great experience to be a part of," Dunn said. "I cannot describe the amount of hard work and dedication this team has, and I think that's why we've continue to have success each game. Winning a National championship was an unreal experience."

Sullivan and Dunn were teammates with their high school team, East Elgin Eagles and various teams with the BAD Blazers.

Local post secondary school hockey players

Katie Dance of Aylmer, with the Guelph Gryphons women's hockey team, had three goals and five assists in 30 games.

Emma Dodgson of Belmont, is a goalie with the Waterloo Warrriors hockey team, studying Science.

Charlee Van De Peer of Dorchester, a defenceman with Waterloo, in third year Kinesiology. stroke.