Lauren Lindsay of Dorchester holds the trophy for the National university ringette championship, won with the Western Mustangs.
Lindsay National
ringette champion
Helps Western Mustangs repeat winning University Challenge Cup
January 2, 2024
By Rob J. Ross
DORCHESTER, Ont. - Lauren Lindsay is a National ringette champion with the Western Mustangs.
Western won the University Challenge Cup, the National championship for ringette, defeating the Lethbridge Horns, 3-1, in the tier 1 final Sunday, to repeat as champions.
"It feels absolutely amazing to be a part of a National winning team," Lindsay said. "I am so thankful for the opportunity to play for a National title let alone win gold, as that is something that not many people get to experience."
Over the four day 16-team tournament, December 28-31, Western won eight of nine games, the lone loss coming in overtime to Lethbridge during pool play.
"It was a great experience for me both on and off the ice," said the 19-year old from Dorchester. "As a first year, it was an amazing opportunity to be able to learn from my older teammates and make new connections.
"Lindsay scored twice and was named player of the game, in Western's 7-3 win against McMaster, the team's third win. Lindsay finished the tournament with three goals and six assists.
"It was super cool to have a two goal game, as I felt like I was contributing to the team as best that I could," Lindsay said. Overall I am so thankful to be able to attend Nationals and represent Western university."
A freshman studying Kinesiology, Lindsay feels being on a team has helped in adjusting to post secondary school life.
"I have found being apart of a varsity sports team has made my transition to university much easier," said Lindsay, who attended Lord Dorchester secondary school. "It is a great way to make new friends, while still being able to continue playing the sport that I love."
In the spring of 2022, Lindsay was apart of a Dorchester Dragons team that won a provincial U19 title and placed fifth at the Eastern Canadian championships, held in Halifax.
At the Challenge Cup, six other players from Dorchester, all at one time teammates with Lindsay on Dorchester ringette teams, skated for other universities.
"It was really cool getting to play against former teammates," said Lindsay, adding there wasn't much trash talk or extra stick checks. "I found myself talking to some of my teammates on the ice, but no extra nudges."
Sarah Smith and Chloe Ryall with the Nipissing Lakers, won the teir two bronze medal.
Smith, who had three goals in the tournament, won the fastest skater (15.23 seconds) at the skills competition.
Nicola Hammond skated for Brock University, Reegan Lindie with host school Carleton, Grace Dayman with Trent University and Sierra Scott with Dalhousie, out of Halifax.
Calgary won tier one bronze, while Regina defeated Trent, for tier two gold.